Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
CONTINENTAL football governing body Caf has scoffed at demands by the European Clubs Association (ECA) to cancel the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations finals over unverified Covid-19 threats.
ECA, which claims to represent more than 230 European clubs, wrote to Fifa threatening not to release African players for the continent’s flagship football tournament if they didn’t get assurances on the health and safety of players during the one-month long football jamboree.
In a statement after a meeting between Cameroon President Paul Biya and Caf boss Patrice Motsepe in Yaoundé, Caf said preparations for a successful tournament were going on unhindered.
“Caf is proceeding together with its partners and other stakeholders in the preparations of a successful hosting of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 starting on 9 January 2022,” read the Caf statement.
On the health and safety of players, officials and spectators, it was agreed that fans will only attend matches if they are fully vaccinated and are able to show a negative PCR test result not older than 72 hours.
“A few days ago, an agreement was concluded between the government of Cameroon, FECAFOOT and Caf, and it was resolved that supporters may only enter stadiums to attend the 52 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations matches in Cameroon if they are fully vaccinated and are able to show a negative PCR test result that is no older than 72 hours or a negative antigen test result not older than 24 hours.
The competent health authorities will take all necessary action to facilitate vaccination and the performance of screening tests at all competition sites in Cameroon,” said Caf.
In a move meant to ensure fairness and neutrality, Caf said a globally respected and independent testing organisation, UNILAB, will be used to test players and their delegations.
Online Reporter