Fifa promise exceptional measures

THE summer and winter transfer windows could be adjusted as Fifa set to work on a package of “exceptional measures” to lessen the impact of the coronavirus.

Amendments and temporary dispensations on player contracts will be looked at by a new working group, as clubs in Europe in particular face the prospect of not completing the 201920 season before June 30.

That is the date on which standard contracts expire and Fifa are now working on emergency measures “to protect players and clubs”.

A statement from Fifa yesterday said that, as part of that, they would assess the need to adjust player registration periods. The summer transfer window in England will be open until September 1 this year, with August 31 falling on a Bank Holiday. The winter window traditionally runs throughout January.

The working group will also look at the problems the virus has created in regard to the global fixture calendar and the possible establishment of a support fund for those clubs, players and governing bodies hardest hit.

They also approved the measures taken by Uefa and the South American governing body CONMEBOL on Tuesday to push the Euros and the Copa America back to the summer of 2021.

As a result, Fifa will now reschedule their expanded, 24team Club World Cup which had been due to take place in China in the same summer.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “This exceptional situation requires exceptional measures and decisions. This crisis impacts the entire world and that is why solutions need to take into account the interests of all stakeholders around the world.

“We have shown again today a spirit of co-operation, solidarity and unity.”