Two Sudan Football Association officials die from Covid-19

Two Sudan Football Association (SFA) officials have died from the novel coronavirus, the footballing body confirmed over the weekend.

Khair Al-Sayed Abdelgader, chairman of the futsal and beach soccer committee and Faisal Youseif, vice chairman of the national teams committee, died in the last two weeks SFA was able to confirm.

Abdelgader died on May 12, with Youseif losing his battle against the virus on May 18.

Both the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and SFA paid tribute to the officials.

“CAF extends condolences to the SFA and the bereaved families for the loss of the two officials, whilst praying for God’s strength during this difficult period,” said Caf in a statement.

Sudan has 3820 Covid-19 infections, with 165 deaths. There have been just 458 recoveries, meaning to date only 11 percent of patients have overcome the virus.

Meanwhile, South Sudan on May 22, became the latest Caf member association to call an end to its domestic football season due to the novel coronavirus pandemic that has halted sport globally.

An emergency committee meeting that was also attended by the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) Board of Directors and chaired by president Francis Amin arrived at the decision after wide consultations. The decision was taken based on Article 81 of the SSFA Statutes.

According to the SSFA, there will be no promotion or relegation across all leagues and has confirmed Alrabita Juba FC as representatives for next season’s African Confederation Cup having won the South Sudanese Cup tournament.

Dates for the new season once the Ministry of Health advises it is safe to return to football activities.

In contrast to Sudan, South Sudan have just 655 cases of Covid-19 with eight deaths. However, there have been just six recoveries.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo