South Sudan forfeit 2021 FIFA Arab Cup match after positive COVID-19 tests

The Bright Star of South Sudan have forfeited their match against Jordan in the FIFA Arab Cup after some members of their tesm tested positive to COVD-19 in Doha, Qatar.

South Sudan were meant to face Jordan in the third match of the preliminary round of the FIFA Arab Cup on Monday evening.

But FIFA today that South Sudan has forfeited the match and Jordan progress to the group stage of the tournament which will run November 30th to December 18th inn Qatar.

“Following the confirmation of COVID-19 cases among the South Sudan delegation, the FIFA Bureau for Men’s Senior Tournaments has declared the match scheduled to take place this evening against Jordan as part of the FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers a forfeit with a 3-0 win to Jordan. The decision is based on article 5.6 of the competition regulations (“force majeure”) and takes into consideration the need to protect the health of the players and everyone involved in the tournament,” said FIFA.

FIFA said protecting the health and safety of everyone involved in the FIFA Arab Cup remains a top priority with a comprehensive programme based on the WHO’s risk-based approach being implemented in coordination with the host country. The world football governing body said a total of 19 team members of South Sudan are now under isolation.

“FIFA and the local organisers deeply regret this unfortunate situation and wish the delegates of South Sudan a speedy recovery,” added FIFA.

Djibouti, the other CECAFA member in the competition will face Lebanon on June 23rd in the another preliminary round match in Doha. Sudan ejected Libya 1-0, while Oman stopped Somalia 2-1 in the first two matches so far played.