Morocco and Zambia are both eyeing a return of their domestic football seasons following disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) indefinitely suspended all football matches on March 14 while the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) followed suit six days later.
According to a statement by the FRMF, a committee had been formed to study realistic solutions for the resumption of football activity in the country.
“The recovery will depend on the green light from the public authorities,” the statement read in part.
FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa is keeping an eye on the developments with the pandemic with the government and what the consequences mean for the football fraternity.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the FRMF has taken several preventive measures in coordination with the public authorities, through the programming of matches behind closed doors and then the suspension of all matches, in all categories,” Lekajaa said.
Morocco is currently under a national lockdown which will last until May 20. Morocco has so far recorded more than 5,500 COVID-19 cases.
Meanwhile, The FAZ told the continent’s governing body the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that it intends to resume its domestic football season in June.
The resumption is subject to approval by the country’s health officials and a decline in the threat of the virus. Zambia has recorded more than 160 COVID-19 cases.
FAZ President Andrew Kamanga maintained that the best decision was to see the season to completion, particularly of the Zambian Super League.
“We are mindful of the corona challenge – we would not want to compromise the lives of footballers, officials or other people involved in the game. Ultimately the overriding point is there is no life worth loosing on account of football,” Kamanga said.
Kamanga added that he did not wish to take the determination of the conclusion of the season out of the players’ hands given how close the title race in the top league is with about 10 games left.
“We want the champion to come out of the pitch, rather than a boardroom decision.”
Forest Rangers lead the league with 46 points from their 24 games, followed by Napsa Stars (45 from 25), Green Eagles (44 from 24), Nkana (43 from 24) and Zesco United (42 from 24).
