The wide unfold of the deadly virus round the world has made Caf suspend the upcoming international fixtures.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has postponed this month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches indefinitely because of the coronavirus.
The continent’s soccer governing body made the decision on Friday in order to protect the health and protection of stakeholders together with players, sponsors, match officials and broadcasters.
The games were initially fixed to take place between March 25 and March 31 throughout a variety of countries in the continent.
The postponement comes in the wake of the declaration of Covid-19 as a pandemic through the World Health Organisation (WHO) and following strict travel restrictions by some African countries to contain the unfold of the virus.
“Coronavirus has been declared as a pandemic by WHO. In Africa, only few cases have been reported, however the scenario could evolve negatively. Several players, who are supposed to play the next Afcon qualifiers, come from countries which have been severely affected by the virus (Europe, Asia),” the statement read.
“Several African governments have taken strong restrictions on travels; lock down, quarantine for people coming from nations affected by the virus. Several clubs refuse now to release their players for the next international matches.
“For the above reasons and after analyzing cautiously the current situation, Caf has decided to put off the Total Africa Cup of Nations 2021 qualifiers, scheduled from 25 to 31 March 2020.”
Earlier this week, Caf disclosed that inter-club competitions would proceed as scheduled whilst the Nigeria Football Federation boss Amaju Pinnick revealed plans to move Super Eagles’ players by a chartered flight from their respective base in Europe.
Several soccer competitions such as major European leagues and the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying fixtures in Asia and South America have additionally been suspended due to the unfold of the pandemic.
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