FIFA MAKE TRANSFER WINDOW CHANGES IN MAJOR SHAKE-UP

FIFA has announced big changes to the football calendar by pushing back the dates of the transfer window – and has also approved plans to extend player contracts.

The governing body has confirmed it has worked on a series of recommendations and guidelines to address some of the key practical issues arising from the pandemic.

A set of principles has been unanimously agreed by the task force, which was chaired by the FIFA Vice-President and chairman of the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee, Vittorio Montagliani, and included representatives of clubs, players, leagues, national associations and confederations.

The move was endorsed by the Bureau of the FIFA Council yesterday, with President Gianni Infantino saying: “The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly changed all the factual circumstances around football for this season.

“So, FIFA, together with the stakeholders, has come up with some practical ideas and proposals to tackle these new circumstances.

“Whilst this will not solve each and every problem, it should serve to bring a measure of stability and clarity to football for the foreseeable future.

“But before these times come, one thing must be clear to everyone, especially now: health comes first, well before football.”

Meanwhile, FA chairman Greg Clarke has called for football stakeholders to help save the game – but admitted that it might not be possible to save the season.

While confirming that fully completing the season with promotion, relegation and title winners is the plan, Clarke stated that human life is the priority and admitted the season may not be completed.