AFCON 2019 update: CAF issues strong warning to participating countries

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has warned countries participating at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals, to brace themselves for the possibility of playing games in unbearable temperatures.

CAF says the average temperature during the AFCON finals, is likely to be between 35-38 degrees Celsius, with an average humidity of 40-60%.

“This would give a high wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index reading above 32 degrees.

“It is certain that most teams will be aware of this and will train accordingly.

“At this level, FIFA recommends three-minute rest-and-refreshing breaks in the 30th and 75th minutes.

“These breaks must require the provision of cold containers on wheels to put crushed ice, drinks for referees and small towels cold and wet to place around the neck for 26 people (four referees and 22 players).

“It will also be necessary to prepare for any eventuality of emergencies. It will be important to be able to diagnose and treat heat-related illnesses if they occur on site,” the statement read.

The tournament kicks off June 21 and runs until July 19.

OTHER UPDATE ;

CARABAO CUP DRAWS FOR 2019/2020 SEASON RELEASED [SEE FULL FIXTURES]

The first round draw of the Carabao Cup has taken place on Thursday evening.

It was conducted just hours after the Football League fixtures were released.

Premier League sides are not included in the first round draw, but there are some mouth-watering ties from the Championship, League One and League Two.

Manchester City are the current holders of the cup, after they beat Chelsea on penalties earlier this year at Wembley.

Here is the Carabao Cup first round draw for the 2019/20 campaign in full below. Ties will be played week commencing August 12.

Northern Section

Tranmere Rovers vs Hull City

Grimsby Town vs Doncaster Rovers

Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City

Port Vale vs Burton Albion

Nottingham Forest vs Fleetwood Town

Bradford City vs Preston North End

Blackpool vs Macclesfield Town

Blackburn Rovers vs Oldham Athletic

Mansfield Town vs Morcambe

Accrington Stanley vs Sunderland

Scunthorpe United vs Derby County

Rochdale vs Bolton Wanderers

Huddersfield Town vs Lincoln City

Middlesbrough vs Crewe Alexandra

Shrewsbury Town vs Rotherham United

Sheffield Wednesday vs Bury

Salford City vs Leeds United

Barnsley vs Carlisle United

Southern Section

Colchester United vs Swindon Town

AFC Wimbledon vs MK Dons

Oxford United vs Peterborough United

Queens Park Rangers vs Bristol City

Plymouth Argyle vs Leyton Orient

Wycombe Wanderers vs Reading

Charlton Athletic vs Forest Green Rovers

Gillingham vs Newport County

Stevenage vs Southend United

Luton Town vs Ipswich Town

Walsall vs Crawley Town

Bristol Rovers vs Cheltenham Town

Brentford vs Cambridge United

Coventry vs Exeter

Swansea City vs Northampton Town

West Bromwich Albion vs Millwall

Portsmouth vs Birmingham City.