This Sunday begins the CAN 2021. The Covid-19 is invited to the party. CAF has taken sanitary measures in and outside the stands.
The African Football Confederation (CAF) has apparently not been in a hurry to state the rules that will be applied during the African Cup of Nations (CAN). It was indeed not until this Saturday morning that the governing bodies of football officially authorize five changes during the matches of the competition, which begins this Sunday.
On its site, CAF indicates that "each team will be authorized to use up to five substitutes" but will have, as is done everywhere else, only three sessions of substitutions, excluding half-time. "In the event of an extension, adds the African Football Confederation, the teams will each have the right to an additional replacement".
If this decision comes late, it is not surprising. The five substitutions are indeed used in most national championships.
It is the continuation of the CAF press release that surprises. Indeed, some African football leadership criticized the Cameroonian health response and suggested that the CAN could be relocated in the event of a deterioration of the health situation. What measures have been put in place to reassure them?
Lost match for too infected teams
CAF finally seems unprepared for the pandemic. Certainly, she warns that "if the result of a player's Covid-19 PCR test is positive, this player will not be allowed to go to the stadium or to participate in the match in question". So far, nothing abnormal.
Football governing bodies add that "a team will be required to play a match if it has a minimum of eleven players available who have tested negative" and that "in the absence of a goalkeeper, another team player must replace the goalkeeper, provided that the total number of players available is at least eleven ”.
With many infections in the groups, CAF does not seem to have a clear strategy. "A team which does not have a minimum of eleven players available will be considered as having lost the match 0-2". Without further details, the organization indicates that, "in exceptional cases, the Organizing Commission for the Africa Cup of Nations will take the appropriate decision".
On the stands side, in addition to the health pass and PCR tests, Cameroon has been imposed by the CAN a gauge in its stadiums: the capacity of Cameroonian speakers will be reduced to 60%, with an exemption of 80% for Cameroon matches.
"CAF will continue to monitor changes in sanitary conditions and adapt these measures if necessary", indicate the authorities.
CAF will apply the 5 substitutions per match rule at the #AFCON2021.
In the case of a COVID-19 outbreak, a team should've a minimum of 11 players available who have tested negative. If none is a goalkeeper, an outfield player can assume the role otherwise it will be a 2-0 loss. pic.twitter.com/JHO2hA5Ts3
- Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) January 8, 2022