FIFA will not force clubs to hand over their players to national teams for upcoming international friendly matches scheduled for March and April. next, given the current situation due to the coronavirus epidemic and It also advises the postponement of the meetings scheduled for these dates.
The Council Committee of the International Football Federation decided that the general rules forcing clubs to transfer footballers to national teams will not apply during this period.
“In view of the current situation regarding COVID-19, The FIFA Council Bureau has today decided that general football rules, which require clubs to hand over their players to national teams, will not apply. in the next international periods of March / April, “states the statement.
FIFA understands that playing matches under current circumstances could not only be present possible risks to the health of the players (and the public) but also, very likely, jeopardize the sports integrity of said matches, given that some teams may be forced to do without their best players, and others may not.
Recommends postponement of matches for March and April
“To avoid unnecessary health risks, as well as possible situations that call into question the competitive balance, we recommend the postponement of all international matches scheduled to take place in March and April until such time as they can be played in a safe environment, for both the players and the public “
The final decision on this matter is reserved to the organizers of the corresponding competition. or the pertinent member federation in case of friendlies. “After consultation with FIFA and the affected confederations, the qualifying matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022â have been postponed, both in Asia and South America,” recalls FIFA.
After consulting with the relevant confederations and interest groups, FIFA will study the possibilities to reschedule the postponed matches and he trusts “that, with good will and flexibility on the part of all, appropriate solutions will be found that will allow games to be played later and with as few alterations as possible.”