CAF announces $10.8 m Covid-19 support fund
CAF’s Emergency Committee approved the immediate distribution of the funds following a meeting on Thursday with each member association getting about $200,000.00.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set aside a $10.8 m fund to be distributed among its member associations in a order to support the management of football at the domestic levels affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
CAF’s Emergency Committee approved the immediate distribution of the funds following a meeting on Thursday with each member association getting about $200,000.00.
In a statement after the meeting, the President of CAF, Ahmad Ahmad said, “Due to the fast-spread of Covid-19, member associations have suspended all domestic competitions, which has brought huge financial burdens on their shoulders. CAF has therefore decided to waive the eligibility requirements to access the annual grants, so all member associations can benefit during this difficult period.”
He added that, “CAF is assessing the opportunity of additional financial support to member associations for the resumption and organisation of their domestic competitions.”
Last month, CAF wrote to all member association to decide on whether to continue or annul their various leagues. So far, the following countries in Africa have abandoned their leagues due to Covid-19:
• Burkina Faso
• Ethiopia
• Gambia
• South Sudan
• Mauritius Island
• Angola
• Cape Verde
• Guinea
• Togo
• DR Congo
• Congo Republic
• Kenya
• Cameroon
• Liberia
• Rwanda
• Niger
Other countries like Ghana, Egypt, and Zambia are yet to decide on whether to cancel the league or continue.
In mid May, CAF announced the distribution of $ 3.5 m to the participants of the Inter-club competitions for the 2019 / 20 season.
The two premier club competitions, Total CAF Champions League and Total CAF Confederation Cup, were suspended after the quarter-final matches due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, CAF says it is monitoring the situation closely and working with the relevant authorities including the Wealth Health Organization (WHO) and FIFA amongst others on the impact of the virus on the continent and will make the appropriate announcements at the appropriate time.
Mustapha Hadji (Dean of Sports)
