FAZ gives guidance on fans return to the stadium
By the ZamFoot Crew | November 18, 2020
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed that fans may return to the Stadium for all the games that are hosted under their auspices with clubs needing to abide by strict guidelines.
This is according to a circular by FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala addressed to Club Secretaries and availed to the ZamFoot Crew.
“After guidance provided by the Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development, Hon. Emmanuel Mulenga MP, the Football Association of Zambia has decided that fans may attend all league matches organized under its auspices.”
The statement goes on to say: However, all matches must be organized and played under the guidelines promulgated by the Ministry of Health and governed by Sl 21 and 22.”
Clubs will have to implement a number of guidelines without fail including social distancing, handing washing, masking up, the no mixed zone rule, and the like. The following must be observed:
- All teams will observe social distancing during pre-match and post-match formalities;
- At all venues match spectators attendance and seating should be arranged in conformity with social distancing of 1 meter;
- Only the two teams, their technical benches, match officials, and essential support staff will be allowed on the pitch and all concerned will wear masks unless they are playing or directly officiating on the pitch;
- All dressing rooms will have a washing station and hand sanitizers in place;
- Journalists and media personnel, except for cameramen and technical personnel for approved broadcasters, will NOT be allowed on the pitch;
- No meet and greets or pre-match gatherings on the pitch with the teams and match officials are permitted;
- No mixed zones for media personnel will be allowed to operate;
- These restrictions will be gradually relaxed or eased as the Minister may guide therefore strict conformity by all concerned is necessary for a positive outcome.
Last week the Government of the Republic of Zambia finally gave a green light to allow the fans to return to the Stadium for the ongoing 2020/2021 football season.
The fans have been out of the Stadium since March following the surge in Coronavirus cases that forced the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to halt the league before resuming in August and finally ending it prematurely.