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Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the capacity of the stadiums hosting the Africa Cup of Nations will be reduced to 60% during the tournament and to 80% for the matches of the host country, announced on Tuesday the African Football Confederation. The competition starts on Sunday.
At Cameroon, the stadiums of the CAN will not be full. Not that this football crazy country has lost its fervor towards football, but, Covid-19 pandemic obliges, the African Football Confederation (CAF) announced, Tuesday January 4, the installation of gauges for the competition which will take place from January 9 to February 6.
This gauge will be established at 60% for all matches in the tournament. The only exception: matches in Cameroon for which the fill rate may reach 80%.
“After several consultations with the Cameroonian government, in light of the evolutions of the health crisis and the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the CAF and the local organizing committee have agreed to cap between 60% and 80%, the capacity of the stadiums during the African Cup of Nations “, explained CAF in a press release.
Fifty-two matches are scheduled between January 9 and February 6, that is to say between the Cameroon-Burkina Faso opening match and the final, two matches scheduled in the new Olembé stadium in Yaoundé, d ‘a total capacity of 60,000 places.
A strict health protocol has been put in place in Cameroon. Fans must be fully vaccinated and show a negative PCR test within 72 hours, or negative antigen within 24 hours, to attend matches.
“CAF will continue to monitor changes in health conditions and adapt these measures if necessary,” promises the governing body of African football.
Originally scheduled for 2021, CAN has been postponed for a year because of the pandemic, which is still so significant due to the emergence of the Omicron variant. End December, Fifa even tried to lobby for a postponement because of it.
Many selections engaged in the competition are affected by the virus within their workforce. The Gambia, for example, had to give up two preparation matches, while Nigeria resolved to register the forfeit of striker Victor Osimhen, positive for Covid-19.
In Europe, several countries such as France, Spain and even Germany have reduced the reception capacity in stadiums in response to the spread of the coronavirus.
With AFP
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