4 June 2020 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) would like to reiterate that under Covid-19 lockdown rules, no football matches are allowed to take place, whether it is amateur, social or in any capacity.

“We have received numerous complaints from across the country where some people are still playing football, mostly social games. This is illegal and unacceptable under Covid-19 regulations,” said SAFA Acting CEO, Tebogo Motlanthe.

“No football is allowed to be played and this regulation applies across the board. All clubs and individuals are requested not to breach the government Covid-19 lockdown rules,” he added.

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture recently spelt out that professional clubs can return to training but under strict protocols but this does not apply to amateur football as well as social games.

Motlanthe said players must return to training and playing football only when government says so and this will be conveyed through the Association.

“Everything is on hold as things stand and we must all await government instructions on the way forward. In the meantime, players must stay at home, obey Covid-19 regulations such as social distancing and maintaining strict hygienic rules,” added Motlanthe.

Issued by the SAFA Communications Department

For further enquiries, kindly contact:

Dominic Chimhavi: Head of Department

Dominic.chimhavi@safa.net

+27 71 332 9886