Dylan Bettencourt
As long ago as 22 June, the government announced the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions, but to date the Premier Soccer League (PSL) have not decided what they will do.
They are yet to decide on allowing unvaccinated and unmasked supporters into stadiums for the upcoming season.
With the dropping of all regulations, stadiums are permitted to return to full capacity with spectators not required to wear face masks while in attendance.
The South African Rugby Union (Saru) met the decision with outright joy and immediately sold the remaining tickets for Saturday’s Currie Cup final between the Griquas and the Pumas.
However, the decision has not been met with the same excitement by the South African football world as the South African Football Association (Safa) and the PSL have yet to discuss the matter, according to TimesLive.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla did indicate that any establishment can continue enforcing mask regulations.
“If you run a facility and whatever that facility is you have a right to determine regulations,” Phaahla said on Thursday.
PSL acting CEO Mato Madlala however said they have not made a decision on the updated regulations yet.
“This has just been announced and what will follow is an executive meeting where we are going to discuss all the implications,” he said.
He said as soon as they have their meeting they will inform member clubs, sponsors and the public the way forward.”
Safa chief medical officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya said they will still encourage vaccinations despite the government announcement.
“We are back to normal. The sector has been severely affected by the pandemic and it is time to begin the fight for recovery from an economic point of view,” Ngwenya said.
“But we still need to be cautious and review our protocols on stadium safety. This is the time for us to review those protocols.”
Image source: @ForbesAfrica
