GFA medical officer: No safety, no football

Friday May 22, 2020. 09:00

Ghana Football Association (GFA) medical officer Dr. Prince Pamboe says football cannot return in the country until they can guarantee safety for the sport’s participants.

Ghana’s domestic campaigns have been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, but there are calls for a return to action under strict protocols – such as has been achieved by Germany’s Bundesliga last weekend.

However, the sports physician insists there is no need to rush into returning to the pitch if the adherence to safety precaution has not been met.

Dr Pamboe, who wants the 2019-20 season cancelled altogether, says a 100 percent safety guarantee must be established the season can restart.

“It’s irresponsible to start football now without a 100 percent safety guarantee,” he told Asempa FM, as quoted by the Ghanaian Times.

“From the word go, we have to take time and start afresh. Those who are pushing for the restart must understand that it won’t be that easy.

“I don’t know the dynamics but if there isn’t a 100 percent safety guarantee, it won’t be proper to risk anyone’s life. Some are claiming we should play behind closed-doors – which is fine but a lot will go into it.

“The players, technical staff, administrators and close contact staff must all be quarantined in an air-tight environment before matches.

“They must all be tested before every single league match. The cosmetic ways of doing things won’t happen. There has to be robust testing every week and the wearing of mask.”