All international matches scheduled to be played in March
and April may be postponed because of the coronavirus scorge, according to
FIFA.
The global football body said that clubs
would not be obliged to release players for any games that go ahead.
“To avoid any unnecessary health risks and also situations of potential
sporting unfairness, we therefore recommend that all international matches
previously scheduled to take place in March and April should now be postponed, ”
it said.
The South American and Asian World Cup qualifiers which were due to be played
have already been postponed.
FIFA said that holding matches under
current circumstances could present health risks to the players and public.
“It would also, most likely, compromise the sporting integrity of such
matches insofar as certain teams may be deprived of their best squads whilst
others may not,” said FIFA.
It said that “the general football rules which normally oblige clubs to
release players for national team matches will not apply for the up-coming
international windows in March/April.”
FIFA said it would study the possibilities for re-scheduling with the
continental confederations, players and clubs. It said that “appropriate
solutions will be found to allow the matches to take place in due course and
with minimal disruption” provided there was goodwill and flexibility on
all sides.
Interestingly, European body UEFA has not yet called off the Euro 2020 playoff
matches which involve a total of 16 teams.
Several of the teams involved in those games have already asked for
postponements and the matches would be not be viable without club co-operation.
Segun Fatuase
seguntuase@gmail.com
08023092925
(with Agency reports)