Senegal suspends sports events

DAKAR. — Senegal yesterday suspended all sports and cultural events until elections at the end of the month, a day after eight people died in a football stadium disaster. Legislative elections are due on July 30 and tensions are running high with prominent opposition leader and Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall campaigning from jail. “All sporting and cultural activities are banned across the national territory for the rest of the electoral campaign.”

DAKAR. — Senegal yesterday suspended all sports and cultural events until elections at the end of the month, a day after eight people died in a football stadium disaster.

Legislative elections are due on July 30 and tensions are running high, with prominent opposition leader and Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall campaigning from jail.

“All sporting and cultural activities are banned across the national territory for the rest of the electoral campaign,” Seydou Gueye, a spokesman for the prime minister, said.

A judicial inquiry will be opened to investigate the tragedy and determine who was responsible for Saturday’s incident, he said.

A wall collapsed in a Dakar stadium during extra time at the League Cup final between Stade de Mbour and US Ouakam which was marred by clashes between rival fans and police use of tear gas. Sixty people were injured, Sports Minister Matar Ba said. — AFP.