The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture gazetted the regulations that are required under Level 3 of the national lockdown.

The governing body, the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed the news via a brief statement on their website.

According to Government Gazette promulgated by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture on 11 June 2020 under the Disaster Management Act of 2002, football can resume training after complying with the regulations.

These regulations entail among others that all teams need to test for COVID-19 and chronic medical conditions (As stipulated in the Football return to training protocol adopted by the SAFA Joint Liaison Committee (JLC) and results must be sent to the Compliance Officer.

Disinfection of the training venue is mandatory, so is the daily screening of COVID-19 symptoms for all those involved.

All teams are encouraged to undertake strict hand and respiratory hygiene and have a consulting Doctor at all times as stipulated in the return to football protocol adopted by JLC.

There should be continuous education about COVID-19 and the Federation must appoint a compliance officer in writing.

A date for the resumption of the league and matches has not been finalised as yet, but indications are that it could be in July.

On 1 June non-contact and contact sport was given the green light to resume training, however, at this stage, only sporting codes falling under non-contact sport may resume playing albeit under strict guidelines.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport