FIFA president Gianni Infantino urges caution, says 'no match is worth risking a single human life'
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has warned against footballing authorities returning to action too soon as to do so would be ‘irresponsible.’
The Italian stressed that ‘no match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life’ as the death toll continues to spiral around the world.
Some leagues around Europe have begun to explore the possibility of returning to action in the coming weeks, with the Bundesliga planning to begin behind-closed-doors games in May.
Clubs in the top two tiers of the German league returned to the training fields this week, while observing health guidelines, ahead of a hoped return to competitive action next month.
But Infantino cautioned against putting football ahead of public health concerns and urged authorities to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
“Our first priority, our principle, the one we will use for our competitions and encourage everyone to follow is that health comes first,” the FIFA President said.
“I cannot stress this enough. No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life. Everyone in the world should have this very clear in their mind.
“It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100% safe. If we have to wait a little longer we must do so. It’s better to wait a little bit longer than to take any risks.”
Infantino added that FIFA has an emergency relief fund that could potentially be used to aid struggling associations as the effects of the crisis continue in future.
“Thanks to the work that we have been doing together in FIFA during the past four years, we are today in a very strong financial situation,” he said.
“FIFA enjoys a good reputation on the financial markets… This has helped us consolidate a solid foundation with large reserves. But our reserves are not FIFA’s money.
“It is football’s money. So when football is in need, we must think what we can do to help… It is our responsibility and our duty.”
