The CAF Champions League second leg game between Al-Hilal Omdurman and Asante Kotoko was called off by Rwanda referee Luis Hakizimana after eight players of the Ghanaian team tested positive for Covid-19 but the match commissioner named as Amir Hassan seems to indicate Kotoko has forfeited the match even though he does not make a definite communication in that regards.
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.
The Porcupine Warriors have however challenged the results of the PCR tests and a formal complaint have been lodged with CAF through the Ghana Football Association.
“Asante Kotoko has officially petitioned CAF and we patiently await verdict” Kotoko acting head of Communications David Obeng Nyarko tweeted.
Since Kotoko have raised objections , the final body to decide on the matter is the CAF organizing committee of the CAF Champions League.
What are the measures for positive results?
Before travelling, an individual who tests positive should be isolated immediately for a number of days (typically seven to ten), as stipulated by the local public health authorities in the country.
After arrival in the host country: Individuals who test positive should isolate immediately for a period of
· time determined by the public health directives of the host country.
Each Team is responsible for the welfare of its player and delegation member throughout the period of isolation/ quarantine. The Team Manager should only leave a country when the last player leaves in case of isolation or quarantine.
How many cases are required to consider cancelling or postponing a match?
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.
