FIFPro also asks to suspend all competitions

The global FIFPro footballers union has joined the request to suspend competitions due to the threat of the coronavirus, expressed by numerous players from around the world and by the AFE itself, and has called for “transparent, reasonable and consistent decisions to be made throughout the football industry.”

“We ask that employers and organizers of competitions respect the wishes of players to take precautionary measures in the short term, including the suspension of training and competitions. We support players who have requested the suspension or postponement of soccer activities in their countries or regions, “FIFPro said in a statement.

The union recalled that “international travel and party attendance create a high risk that affects everyone from spectators and players to referees and club staff.”

“To provide a reliable and clear course of action that prioritizes people and public health, we ask the authorities and the organizers of the competitions to make transparent, reasonable and consistent decisions based on the advice of governments,” he asked.

In addition, FIFPRO stressed that “professional football is greatly affected by this situation in multiple ways.” “Closed matches and cancellations have a considerable effect on the income of small and medium-sized clubs. Therefore, the football industry should consider extraordinary solidarity measures to protect the industry and support clubs that need it through, for example, financial assistance or advance payments “, he proposed.