CAF waits for guinea over ebola threat

Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday told Football Association of Malawi (FAM) that it was still waiting to hear from Guinea Football Federation on whether it was safe for the West African country to host the Flames in 2017 Africa Cup of  Nations (Afcon) qualifier on Friday.

FAM wrote CAF over Ebola virus concerns in Guinea following new cases of the strain.

In response, CAF said it had also raised the same concerns with Guinea FA and were waiting for a response.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu confirmed receiving communication from CAF on the matter, but said the association was not satisfied with the response.

“The CAF general secretary, Hicham El Amrani, has communicated that they are yet to receive feedback from Guinea.

“We are demanding for an official position from World Health Organisation [WHO].

“Hopefully, we can get the response by close of business today [Monday]. We are crossing our fingers,” he said.

Meanwhile, government has advised FAM to proceed to Conakry as they wait for the response.

Malawi National Council of Sports executive secretary George Jana on Monday said considering the logistical issues involved, they had decided that the team should proceed to Guinea today from Sierra Leone where they will play a practice match this afternoon.

“We are still talking to government and FAM. However, much as this is a serious issue, in the event that FAM does not hear from CAF by tomorrow, the team will have to proceed to Guinea because they risk losing the game by default.

“Nevertheless, we will ensure that the safety of our team is guaranteed by ensuring that all the safety measures will have to be adhered to as this issue not only concerns the plight of the team but to an extension, the nation as a whole.

“So, we are hoping that CAF will respond to FAM’s letter seeking clarification and guidance on the matter the soonest,” said Jana.

The epidemic has killed more than 11 300 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia since 2013, but now claims few victims.

Guinea played their Afcon qualifiers away from home, but after WHO declared the country safe from the virus, CAF allowed them to host matches. n