The Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued on Monday a guideline to restart competitions across the continent and announced that the Executive Committee is scheduled to meet on 30 June to chart the future of its competitions.

The 27-page guideline titled “CAF Guidelines to Resume Football in Africa” lists measures for medical examination and precautions, and organisations of training and matches.

According to the CAF statement, "The plan also highlights the effective and continuous medical assessment (testing) of players and officials, guidelines for training sessions, disinfection of sporting facilities, as well as strict adherence to the global preventive protocols."

The guideline says the "implementation of a health protocol is essential for a resumption of football-related activities both in training and during matches."

CAF also issued several recommendations for the restart of competitions, including the gathering of all teams in a city (in one place) until the end of the championship, matches to be played behind closed doors, the prohibition of handshakes and the ban of shirts exchange.

“This comprehensive document is a major step towards resuming football in the continent. Based on recent developments, it is important we have a plan in place to guide our stakeholders on the return of continental and domestic competitions, and the need for an all hands on deck approach,” CAF Acting General Secretary Abdelmounaim Bah was quoted as saying on the CAF website.

The African competitions have been halted since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. CAF has a very busy schedule, including the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Champions League and Confederation Cup semi-finals and finals, and the women's championship.

Reports have suggested that the CAF may resume its competitions by August/September and it is expected that the Executive Committee meeting on 30 June will pronounce the decisions.

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