The CAF Champions League second leg game between Al-Hilal Omdurman and Asante Kotoko scheduled for Wednesday January 6th, 2021 was called off by Rwanda referee Luis Hakizimana after eight players of the Ghanaian team tested positive for Covid-19.
The Porcupine Warriors have however challenged the results and a formal complaint have been lodged with CAF through the Ghana Football Association.
But what does the CAF Covid-19 regulations say? Here SPORTSWorldGhana.com reproduce the relevant guidelines.
What is the testing schedule?
• Testing prior to departure to the host country:
• Any individual who is departing from a country/area or transiting through a country/area with current COVID-19 “community transmission” status must provide confirmation of a negative PCR test result conducted no earlier than 72 hours before departure.
• For Match participants (i.e. Teams delegation, match officials, CAF Match Appointees)
• The mandatory PCR test should be conducted no earlier than 48 hours before the match participants access the stadium.
Results shall be available two hours before departure to the stadium on MD-1 or MD, whichever is earlier.
When should the test result be presented?
• For the purpose of participating in or working at the match, the PCR test results will be Presented in person at the time of entering the stadium on MD-1 and MD.
• Wearing face masks covering the nose and mouth is mandatory at all times while in the Stadium with the exception of match participants involved in match activities, including training/warming up and playing.
What are the measures for positive results?
Before travelling, an individual who tests positive should be isolated immediately for a number of days (typically seven to ten), as stipulated by the local public health authorities in the country.
After arrival in the host country: Individuals who test positive should isolate immediately for a period of
· time determined by the public health directives of the host country.
Each Team is responsible for the welfare of its player and delegation member throughout the period of isolation/ quarantine. The Team Manager should only leave a country when the last player leaves in case of isolation or quarantine.
How many cases are required to consider cancelling or postponing a match?
According to CAF AFCON Organizing Committee, which is also in-line with the FIFA laws of the game, each match must be played if the team has at least 11 players (including goalkeeper) + 4 substitutes.
For AFCON qualifiers, the list is not restrictive, therefore the National Associations can travel with unlimited number of players.
It is recommended to travel with the maximum number of players possible to replace any COVID19 positive player.
Determining the results of the matches that cannot be played:
In case a Participating Team cannot travel to the host country and/or venue of a Match due to any travel or other restriction relating to COVID-19, the Participating Team in question shall be considered to have lost the match 2 – 0.
According to COVID-19 regulations if a team does not have the minimum number of players (11 players (including goalkeeper) + 4 substitutes) to play a match, the team will be considered to have lost the match 2- 0.
In exceptional circumstances the organizing committee will be consulted for a final decision concerning the match/ situation in question.
Therefore, no matches will be postponed or canceled for positive COVID19 cases.
