FKF, CAF announce stand on coronavirus pandemic

As the novel coronavirus outbreak continues to plunge the global sporting calendar into confusion, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are in discussions over the future of the upcoming events.

In a statement, FKF said following the directive by the Ministry of Health to cancel all conferences and international meetings in Kenya for the next 30 days, they have reached out to CAF regarding two continental assignments for Kenya.

Harambee Stars will be hosting Comoros on March 25, in a 2021 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier tie, before travelling for the return match on March 29 while Harambee Starlets kick off Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) qualifiers in April.

“Following the directive by the Ministry of Health, FKF is consulting the Kenyan Government and engaging the Africa football governing body CAF over future of continental assignments within this period including the forthcoming Harambee Stars 2021 Afcon qualifiers due in March; and Harambee Starlets Awcon qualifying matches in April,” read part of FKF’s statement.

On their side, CAF revealed they have mandated the Medical Committee to monitor the evolution of the disease and to set up measures to protect the health of players and all actors of the game.

As a precaution, the Africa governing body has set up a team made up of experts from various fields, particularly medical, who are essentially responsible for the health of the players and the members of the African football family.

“CAF is following with great attention the evolution of the situation of this pandemic affecting our continent. Eight (8) major African football countries have reported cases to date: Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon and South Africa,” CAF said in a statement.

With CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and the final tournament of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled to take place in Cameroon from April 2-5-all lined up this year the body says they are not extremely worried but remain vigilant.

“The team is in touch with the countries organizing these matches and reports in due time on updates to the Executive Committee.

If the situation requires and in agreement with the countries concerned, matches behind closed doors, postponements or even cancellations are envisaged. In the meantime, an advisory to the actors of the game is being promulgated in conformity with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO),”.

FKF’s precaution comes after the 2020 Magical Kenya Open which was set for March 12 to 15 was also postponed to a later date.

Also, the national women’s beach volleyball team failed to travel to Nigeria for the second round of the Tokyo Olympics qualifiers as the Government continue to put travel restrictions.