Burundi's top-flight football league to resume after suspension due to country's general elections

Bujumbura: Burundi’s domestic season is to resume on 21 May, more than a month after Africa’s last remaining football competition was suspended to allow political rallies to be held in stadia ahead of general elections, authorities have confirmed. [caption id=“attachment_7857721” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. AP[/caption] While the remainder of the continent’s domestic leagues have either been paused or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Burundi Football Federation (BFF) are ready to restart their league and cup competitions after the 20 May elections. The country’s top-flight has three rounds remaining, with Ngozi-based Le Messager holding a four-point advantage at the top of the table over Musongati, who have a game in hand and will be the first back in action when they take on Athletico Olympic on Thursday next week. BFF has also announced that the semi-finals and final of the country’s domestic cup competition will be staged, with the decider to be held on 13 June. Before the season was halted, spectators at matches in Burundi had their temperatures taken and hands sprayed with disinfectant on the entrance to match venues. The small East African nation confirmed its first coronavirus cases on 31 March and its health ministry has since announced 15 cases and one death. A number of African countries have called off their 2019-20 domestic seasons, including Angola, Kenya, Mauritius and Guinea, but others hope to continue in the coming months.