The South African Football Association (SAFA) has taken the fight to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ordering the continental body to force clubs and national teams to honour their matches in South Africa or forfeit their games.
SAFA wrote to CAF after Moroccan authorities refused to issue visas to Kaizer Chiefs last week. Amakhosi were scheduled to play against Wydad Athletic Club in a CAF Champions League match in Casablanca last weekend. Apparently, the Moroccans fear the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now SAFA has urged CAF to use its rules against clubs and national teams that refuse to travel to South Africa.
“Following the resumption of football in the country for both international and domestic activities, we have never had a surge in the number of infections due to the strict health protocols in place that are in line with CAF COVID-19 health protocols. All our clubs and national teams will not use neutral venues as there is no substantial health reasons to do so,” the letter from SAFA said.
“We request that CAF should provide us with any breach of their COVID-19 health protocols by both clubs and national teams.
“We request that CAF should provide us with any research conducted regarding our COVID-19 situation in South Africa that would warrant alternatives at this stage as all countries have COVID-19 cases with Morocco being second on the continent behind South Africa.”
South Africa hosted Sao Tome and Principe in an Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) qualifier and a number of CAF interclub matches. Not a single health related incident was reported.
“We urge CAF to apply rules and regulations where clubs do not want to travel to South Africa or allow South Africa in their countries. Those clubs and countries must forfeit the matches in line with the CAF regulations,” the letter further said.
SAFA has scoffed clubs and national teams, who have asked CAF to move their games from South Africa.
