One of the last countries in the world that has not declared cases of coronavirus, the former Soviet republic Turkmenistan, resumed its football season this Sunday after a short break to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
In mid-March, this Central Asian country followed the global trend and suspended the Upper League, composed of eight teams. The football federation followed the recommendation of its Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).
A month later, despite doubts from external observers about the reality of the epidemic situation in the country, the ball started rolling again.
The match between FK Altyn Asyr (white), the reigning champion, and Köpetdag restarted Turkmenistan's league.
About 300 people gathered in a stadium that can accommodate 20,000 to attend the derby between the two clubs from the capital Asjabad: FK Altyn Asyr, the reigning champion, and Köpetdag, the current leader, who drew 1-1. With the draw, FK Altyn Asyr, which means 'Golden Age', is the favorite to win the Turkmenistan championship again this year.
Turkmenistan is one of three former Soviet republics, along with Belarus and Tajikistan, which have not given up on football.
Belarus, which has 4,779 declared cases and 47 deaths, was criticized for keeping spectators in the stands.
In Tajikistan, matches are played behind closed doors, although the authorities, as is also the case in Turkmenistan, claim that there are no cases of coronavirus. (D)