The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned that all matches at the resumption of Afcon Qualifiers in November 2020 would be played behind closed doors. This development was further announced by CAF at its recent Virtual Conference held at the beginning of the week on Competition matters with emphasis on Afcon Qualifiers for all Member Associations.

According to CAF, the change of logistical arrangements is necessitated by the Corona virus pandemic that disrupts all Football activities across the world and as such all Afcon Qualifiers in November would be played in empty stadiums. Thus there would be no fans, spectators, security, Media and other people allowed inside the stadium. Nonetheless, only stewards would be allowed to be at the stands after pre match inspections.

The Gambia Football Federation therefore wishes to inform the general public and the football family that the Gambia’s return and home leg to Gabon scheduled for Monday 16th November 2020 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau would therefore be played behind closed doors as strictly sanctioned by CAF. Furthermore according to CAF, all actors in the game including Referees, Match Commissioner, Coordinator, Stewards and Ball Boys would all be tested for Covid-19 to ascertain their status.

Meanwhile, the GFF is working with CAF and the government of the Gambia through the relevant ministries to ensure that all measures within the ambit of the Covid-19 guidelines and regulations are adhered to without compromise.(GFF)

By: Sainabou Jassey