March start to 2021 season?

SUN SPORTS writes THE Football Association of Zambia may revert to the previous football league calendar cycle in light of the Covid-19 stoppage to matches. FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala says that the Premier League and Division One calendar may revert back to starting in March if the re-introduction of games prolongs beyond six months. Speaking when he featured on the Eden University Football Show on Joy FM, the FAZ boss said that several options were under discussion and being guided by events arounds the globe.  “At an appropriate time, when the situation normalises we may get back to the old system but we will advise,” Kashala said. He stated that some options were being weighed such as playing out the league behind closed doors without fans, allowing clubs with games in hand to reach Week 25 and make a decision on continental qualifications and lastly to delay the start of the next league season.  The FAZ executive committee recently submitted the proposals to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and are still consulting on possible options dependent on how the coronavirus situation progresses. Kashala stressed that an abrupt end to the 2019/20 league was the last option and that they remained hopeful of concluding this season with all remaining matches played. “We need to conclude the league in a fair manner. Cancelling the league would have a knock on effect to the clubs and sponsors,” he said. Mr Kashala, however has emphasised that the health of fans and players are the top most priority in whatever decisions will be made. He notes that some countries have either cancelled or suspended their leagues but that FAZ remained optimistic that the league would be played out without any club contesting the decision that may be made. And Zambia Sports Fans Association patron Peter Makembo says he is hopeful that fans will be allowed to watch games once football activities resume but has cautioned football fans to adhere to the Covid-19 public health guidelines. Makembo says fans and players are inseparable and so he is working to ensure that community members are sensitised about the coronavirus and that when the games resume, the fans will be ready to give support to the players. Kashala has called on clubs and fans to exercise patience in the decision around the league calendar and finding the way forward. FAZ aligned the football season to the FIFA calendar in 2019 which sees the calendar run from August to May/June. The Sun