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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CLUB officials will not be allowed entry into the stadium when Chibuku Super Cup games resume next week following stringent Covid-19 protocols imposed by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).

All Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs have been advised of the SRC’s communication, which prohibits any official not involved in match organisation entry into the stadium.

The development might have been necessitated by Covid-19 compliance officers’ reports that club management and board members wanted to breach boundaries and make close contact with players without Covid-19 test certificates.

“Absolutely no spectators will be allowed entry into and around the venue, including association board members.

Only event staff directly involved in the organisation of matches will gain entry into the venue,” reads part of the SRC’s communication on football resumption.

The SRC emphasised on strict adherence to the World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health and Child Care protocols mitigating against the spread of Covid-19.

Competition organisers were ordered to sensitise and educate all participants and venue operators about Covid-19 through various media such as signage, fliers and posters.

The SRC said all facilities (stadia) must be disinfected before each game and be zoned in line with Caf guidelines and testing done per zone.

“All facilities such as showers and changing rooms to be disinfected regularly. All participants use hand sanitisers frequently, face masks to be on hand and worn if warranted by physical distancing constraints. Use of face masks and physical distancing of +2m between participants and officials during on field briefings. Sharing of water bottles and other personal items is strictly prohibited,” said SRC.

It warned that production of fake Covid-19 certificates will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The SRC also warned that violation of protocols, including officials sneaking into match venues, could lead to cancellation of the tournament.

“Enforcement officers will monitor compliance with the stipulated conditions and any violation may result in the withdrawal of the authority and other sanctions as provided by law. The teams will be required to observe and abide by the Covid-19 preventative measures failure of which will result in the approval being immediately cancelled,” warned SRC. — @ZililoR