December 17, (THEWILL) – The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) “must take place,” according to tournament organisers and the Cameroon government, who also confirmed that only fully vaccinated fans will be allowed into stadiums.
There has been growing anxiety that the competition may be cancelled because of the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron strain.
The competition was shifted to January and February this year, but because of the pandemic, it was postponed for the second time.
The government of the hosts, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Cameroonian Football Association (FECAFOOT) made a statement just over three weeks before the opening ceremony at the Complexe Sportif d’Olembe, promising that the rescheduled AFCON 2021 will go forward.
The statement said: “In Cameroon, as has been the case elsewhere, effective and reliable measures have been taken as part of a coherent and tried-and-tested approach to counter the pandemic.
“The government has set up a special health protocol to combat COVID-19 that applies to the AFCON.
“In less than 25 days, the best 24 African football teams will participate in the AFCON 2021 and special measures must be taken in connection with this important and prestigious event.
“As is widely known, organised football plays an important role in fostering integration and peace, as well as bringing people together.
“It is also a catalyst of hope, a vehicle for shared values and a conduit for joie de vivre, making it possible to transcend difficulties and see beyond our differences. Therefore, despite the additional challenge posed by the pandemic, the AFCON must take place.”
Supporters will not be permitted into venues unless they are fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR test result from within the last 72 hours or a negative antigen test result from within the last 24 hours, according to the statement.
To examine players and their delegations, CAF will engage an independent, internationally recognised laboratory.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
