No from CAF, yes for FAZ

SUN SPORTS writes@SunZambianFOOTBALL fans have been dealt a blow ahead of the AFCON qualifier between Zambia and Botswana as CAF insists it be played behind closed doors.However, Minister of Sports has announced that the fans will be allowed to watch league games where clubs are expected to abide by Ministry of Health guidelines.Football Association of Zambia general secretary Adrian Kashala disclosed at a press briefing that CAF had barred fans from the stadium in line with Covid-19 precautions.“We regret to inform members of the football family that our request to have fans in the stadium has been rejected. The decision is line with the CAF guidelines put in place arising from the Covid-19 pandemic that has ravaged the world,” Kashala said.Kashala said fans will, however have an opportunity to watch the game through ZNBC TV, who have been granted rights to beam the match live.“Following communication from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Football Association of Zambia wishes to inform members of the football family and stakeholders that the Cameroon 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group H qualifier between Zambia and Botswana will be played behind closed doors,” a statement released by FAZ Communications manager Sydney Mungala reads.“FAZ had engaged CAF after receiving clearance from the Ministry of Health to trigger the process of bringing fans into the stadium for the crunch Africa Cup of Nations qualifier but the request has been denied.”“We advise that fans abide by this directive to stay away from the stadium to avoid sanctions from CAF.”Kashala said FAZ was however happy that the Ministry of Sports has given FAZ permission to allow fans to attend league matches with strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines.“The Ministry of Sports has allowed us to admit fans for league matches. We urge our members to adhere to strict Covid-19 guidelines as provided the protocols,” he said.The Sports Minister said Government recognised that football was Zambia’s number 1 sport and hence guidelines had been drawn up to ensure stadiums did not become a breeding ground for Covid-19.Zambia plays Botswana in a Cameroon 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at National Heroes Stadium at 18:00 hours.CAF has issued strict guidelines that will see games played behind closed doors. The Sun