AFCON qualifiers suspended over coronavirus pandemic

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers billed for this month will no longer hold after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) suspended all matches over the coronavirus pandemic.

Caf released a statement on Friday stating that all fixtures have been postponed until further notice even though only a few cases have been reported on the continent.

A total of 48 matches scheduled to run between 25-31 March have all been halted as a result of the pandemic.

Caf also explained that many African governments have imposed strong travel restrictions, which require 14 days of quarantine, on those arriving from Europe.

"Several players, who are supposed to play the next Afcon qualifiers, come from countries which have been severely affected by the virus (in) Europe and Asia," Caf wrote to member associations.

Caf, according to top the BBC's report, said it will "share a new proposal of a calendar".

The Women's Under-20 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for later this month and April's Women's 2020 Nations Cup qualifiers have also been postponed.

However, April's African Nations Championship (Chan), which is scheduled to take place in Cameroon between 4-25 April was not postponed on accounts of a forthcoming visit this weekend.

With a view to assessing 'the preventive measures taken by the Local Organising Committee' ahead of the tournament for players based in their own leagues, a delegation from Caf's medical committee is set to visit Cameroon.

"A decision will be taken after the inspection visit," Caf added.

At present, at least 18 African nations have reported cases of coronavirus, including Cameroon.

BBC