This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
South Africa's government has given the green light for the Absa Premiership, the country's richest football league, to resume on June 24, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision comes as South Africa, one of the most industrialized countries in Africa, has recorded 106,108 COVID-19 infections and 2,102 fatalities by June 24.
However, the Health authority in South Africa has warned that the worst of the pandemic is yet to arrive.
As part of the government's plan to slowly reopen the economy, 16 teams have been permitted to start training immediately and resume the league, with the teams left with between six and nine games to play.
While no clear date has been set for the resumption of the league, the government hints that the league is supposed to end by July 31, as recommended by FIFA.
Clubs may be forced to play behind closed doors if the league has to resume, with officials hinting at emulating the major European leagues.
