AFCON 2021 Qualifiers: Burundi To Field Local Based Players Because of Coronavirus

The Burundi Football Federation (FFB) has stated it will use local-based players in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Mauritania.

Burundi is among the African nations that have been affected by the deadly coronavirus forcing the FBF to rule out international players for the vital back to back qualifiers late this month.

The Swallows are scheduled to play Mauritania on March 25 in Nouakchott before travelling back to Bujumbura for the return match set for March 29, 2020.

The FBF said the action has been taken following the Ministry of Public Health directive to safeguard the team from the Coronavirus epidemic.

“Following a communique sent by Ministry of Public Health in connection to measures against COVID-19, the Football Federation of Burundi (FFB) is retiring all European-based players for the Mauritania-Burundi and Burundi-Mauritania matches scheduled for March 25 and 29 respectively,” the FFB said in a statement translated from French.

“This measure follows the decision by the government on the 14 days of quarantine required after entering Burundi. We hence call Confederation of African Football (CAF) to study the methods of organizing these matches in order to allow the participation of all qualified players.”

Last week, the Burundi Government banned flights from specific countries that are affected by the COVID-19 virus as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the virus in Burundi.

The Swallows will have to do without players from Europe including Shassir Nahimana, Cedric Amissi, Elvis Kasomba, Selemani Yamini Ndikumana and Saido Berahino.