Nearly 100 footballers and team staff in Saudi Arabia have tested positive for Covid-19 as teams across the kingdom resume training, according to local media reports.
According to the Saudi Arabian Football Federal, 1,351 tests were carried out between July 21 and July 8.
Of the positive cases, 50 are players, while 47 are administrative staff.
Saudi Arabia’s football leave plans to begin matches on August 4, after being suspended at the outset of the Covid-19 crisis in March.
As part of the resumption of sporting activities, the Saudi Pro League Association and local authorities have introduced a number of stringent health and safety measures.
Under the guidelines, coaching and other administrative staff are obligated to wear face masks at all times, while staff and players must have their temperatures checked at entrances.
Staff will also check players for symptoms during training sessions.
The number of substitutes allowed in matches has also been increased from the customary three to five.
As has been the policies announced in a number of other countries, game will be played with no fans in attendance.
To date, there have been 229,480 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia, including 2,181 fatalities.
Follow us on
