Before the return of football on the continent in November last year, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) published important questions and answers in relation to Covid-19.
One of the questions was: How many cases are required to consider cancelling or postponing a match? Below is the football governing body's answer:
- According to CAF AFCON Organizing Committee, which is also in-line with the FIFA laws of the game, each match must be played if the team has at least 11 players (including goalkeeper) + 4 substitutes.
- For AFCON qualifiers, the list is not restrictive, therefore the National Associations can travel with unlimited number of players.
- It is recommended to travel with the maximum number of players possible to replace any COVID19 positive player.
Determining the results of the matches that cannot be played:
- In case a Participating Team cannot travel to the host country and/or venue of a Match due to any travel or other restriction relating to COVID-19, the Participating Team in question shall be considered to have lost the match 2 - 0.
- According to COVID-19 regulations if a team does not have the minimum number of players (11 players (including goalkeeper) + 4 substitutes) to play a match, the team will be considered to have lost the match 2- 0.
- In exceptional circumstances the organizing committee will be consulted for a final decision concerning the match/ situation in question.
- Therefore, no matches will be postponed or canceled for positive COVID19 cases.