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Although rumors about the cancellation of the game due to the Covid-19 pandemic have caused trouble in recent days, Cameroon and the African Football Association announced on Thursday that CAN spectators must be vaccinated and tested to participate in the game.
Under pressure, the government and the African Football Federation (CAF) announced a strict health agreement on Thursday, December 16th. Supporters must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and undergo a negative test to participate in the African National Football Cup in Cameroon. (January 9th to February 6th).
When the announcement was made, there had been rumors that the flagship football event on the African continent would be cancelled or further postponed.
Cameroon and the CAF explained in a press release: “Supporters can only enter the stadium after vaccination and PCR test results within 72 hours or antigen RDT within 24 hours (…)” released..
>> Postponement or cancellation of CAN: what we know
The press release was issued after a meeting between Manaouda Malachie, Minister of Health of Cameroon, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Minister of Sports, Véron Mosengo-Omba, Secretary General of CAF, and Fécafoot and Céline Eko Mendomo, the first vice-presidents of the Cameroon Football Association. All four people signed the document.
“Although this pandemic has brought additional challenges, we must play a role now. They stated in a press release that its solemn opening ceremony is scheduled for January 9, 2022 at the Olembe Sports Complex in Yaoundé.
“False news”
On Monday, the European Club Association (ECA) threatened not to release international players for CAN, worrying about the health agreement of the tournament in the context of the pandemic. She specifically mentioned that there are no “medical and operational procedures suitable for the competition” at this stage.
The ECA first pointed out that due to “quarantine and travel restrictions”, especially related to the emergence of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the risk of international absences may exceed the prescribed available period.
ECA sent this letter to FIFA at a time when rumors about the possible cancellation of CAN or a newly postponed game were increasing. The game was originally scheduled to be held in 2021 but was postponed for a year due to the pandemic.
Asked by Agence France-Presse, a senior leader of the Cameroon Football Association described the speculations as “fake news” on Monday.
Agence France-Presse