Coronavirus: football stands firm in Belarus, Tajikistan, Burundi, Nicaragua

• From footballing presidents to new nicknames via potential Pornhub sponsorships, supporters carry on amid game’s lockdown
• Only three rounds remain in Burundi and four in Nicaragua but Belarus and Tajikistan seasons are newly started

From Central America to Central Asia via East Africa and Eastern Europe in between, there was professional football this weekend for those who wanted to watch it.

Tajikistan joined Belarus, Burundi and Nicaragua as the Central Asian state's Super Cup kicked off the new season on Saturday.

Played to an empty stadium in the capital Dushanbe, Istiklol retained the Super Cup after coming from behind to beat Khujand 2-1 at Central Republican Stadium, three weeks after they met in the AFC Cup at the same ground when Istiklol won 2-0.

Those tuning in from overseas " either football fans, gambling fans or both " got what they wanted. There was an early goal for the underdogs (as much as the league runners-up in four of the last five seasons can be underdogs) before a comeback win.

The opener was scored after two minutes by Uzbek international Sanjar Rikhsiboev before normal service was resumed by the reigning six-time league champions and last season's treble winners, with two goals in as many second half minutes.

Tajikistan's all-time top scorer Manuchehr Jalilov and Muhammadjon Rakhimov turned it around with 10 minutes to go and the champions held on for a third Super Cup win in a row " the third time the club have done that in the last decade.

Klimovich scores his first goal of the season. https://t.co/BWk7ddz2VZ pic.twitter.com/5dE3U6ZgpP

" Belarusian Premier League (@BelarusianPL) April 3, 2020

The 10-team league then kicked off on Sunday with three games: Vakhsh 2-1 Istaravshan, Lokomotiv-Pamir 2-2 Fayzkand, Kuktosh 0-0 Regar TadAZ. More games follow on Wednesday and they will be played behind closed doors until further notice despite no reported coronavirus cases in the country.

The four remaining leagues have already taken on cult status in the football world as fans look for their fix. It is fair to say that they were not the best known beforehand even in the globalised world where anyone can watch lower tiers on YouTube and become an expert via Football Manager.

Some are exploiting this new-found interest better than others. Belarus is the last league standing in Europe and the Belarus FA has signed 10 broadcast deals with countries thirsty for football, including Russia, Israel, India and Bulgaria. The Tajik FA agreed they may follow, with an official admitting to Reuters that they are open to offers.

No football in Australia means that we've chosen a new team to support. FK Slutsk!Forza Slutsk.We are top of the LeagueAny chance of a link to buy some Slutsk kits and get them sent to Australia?@RUSNLF #Slutsk #BelarusianPremierLeague #ForzaSlutsk

" Shane Robinson (@ShaneRobinson92) March 22, 2020

Social media has seen a slew of official and unofficial accounts as fans look for news in English, betting tips and new teams to support.

Australian betting site TAB have reported on Adelaide-based fans of Belarusian side FK Slutsk. They interviewed Shane Robinson, whose Facebook fan page now has over 1,000 followers. "It started as something that'll pass the time while there's no football on here locally or A-League or anything major in Europe," Robinson told the TAB blog.

"But the more that we dug and actually realised about the club … we've actually got people from the city itself who are messaging us and commenting on the group."

Russia's RT reported on new fans suggesting X-rated web giant Pornhub as a new shirt sponsor for the team many have renamed "The Sluts".

But interesting potential sponsors are only one of the draws, there are also fascinating narratives.

Istiklol is owned by the president's son (and former player) Rustam Emomali according to The Asian Game website.

#COVID2019 has no place in Burundi where football is still going on.3 games played yesterday - 3 scheduled today.Surely getting massive support from President Pierre Nkurunziza who has his own team, and 'plays as a striker and scores regularly.' pic.twitter.com/dCPmD2H1xK

" ekondedaniel (@ekondedaniel4) April 5, 2020

The official owner "has already been criticised for influencing referees and football federation officials to assist his team."

With the increased global interest the real question now is how long these leagues can play on. The Burundi Primus Ligue played on Friday, with a 2-2 draw for title-chasing Musongati FC against Rukinzo.

However, the FA called a meeting on Sunday to decide what happens next after the country reported its first two cases last week.

While the rest of the world is on lockdown because of #COVID19, it's business as usual in Burundi .Football activities continue to take place. Over the weekend, the President's Cup and a beach soccer competition were played.Burundi has no positive case. pic.twitter.com/jUDPIPhVKn

" Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) March 30, 2020

The decision was taken to carry on for now, although the league will have to meet certain hygiene requirements although it's probably easy to get support when the county's president is also the striker for one of the teams in the league.

Still, there are only three rounds of league action left to play so it will end soon either way.

Nicaragua, which saw Primera Liga action over the weekend, has only reported a handful of coronavirus cases but still several players told Reuters that they are avoiding contact during matches.

⚽️ Meanwhile… football continues in Nicaragua!The only countries playing professional football:BelarusBurundiNicaragua pic.twitter.com/wlBtVjyTnl

" RT Sport (@RTSportNews) April 2, 2020

There are only four rounds of competition left of its 18-game clausura tournament so there is not long for fans to develop an affinity with Juventus Managua or Real Madriz before its scheduled finish on April 19.

Play-offs follow for the top four sides and fans can watch on Facebook, although there are reports of interested foreign broadcasters.

Other leagues may fill the gap " Taiwan's Premier League is set to kick off behind closed doors on April 12 " but it could be that football follows other sports.

More and more #Belarus fan groups announce boycott of matches over Covid-19 and call on everyone to self-isolate to prevent spread of the disease.Fun to be the only league playing due to government in denial, but fans dare to put health first. pic.twitter.com/APAEPfEwSI

" Pavel Klymenko (@Pavel_Klymenko) April 1, 2020

Belarus' 16-team league is only three rounds in but the first cracks have already appeared.

The FA called off junior football last week and the ultras supporters groups have called on fans to stay away, boycotting matches.

"It is positive for our football to continue playing and it is true that it is attracting the eyes of the whole world," FA head Sergei Zhardetski told Spain's Marca.

️@BelFootFeder suspends all junior matches and the junior football championships of the Republic of Belarus until further notice.The ABFF also postpones the start of the Youth Championship of the Republic of Belarus among girls until further notice. https://t.co/V1FuZJU6LG

" Neman Grodno UK (@FansNeman) April 3, 2020

"But we have not made this decision based on commercial or economic criteria."

He also admitted that fans' feelings would be taken into account and cancelling the league has not been ruled out.

Belarus has more than 350 confirmed cases now and its first death but president Alexander Lukashenko told reporters, "It's better to die on your feet than on your knees" urging citizens to visit saunas and drink vodka to battle the virus.

In the meantime, football fans are urged to drink in games from these leagues while they can.

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