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FIFA President Gianni Infantino cautioned against re-starting soccer too early in the coronavirus
pandemic, telling FIFA’s 211 member associations on Friday that such actions would be reckless. Soccer around the world has slowed with domestic competitions on hold and big tournaments such as Euro 2020 and Copa America delayed for one year. “Our first goal, our philosophy, the one that we will use for our competitions and expect all to obey, is that safety comes first,” Infantino said in a statement on Friday, which FIFA said was directed directly at its leaders.
Meanwhile, debates are taking place around the world as to when and how to re-start the season, and in some countries, there are disputes as to whether players will face salary cuts. “It would be more than unethical to push competitions to resume if things weren’t 100% free,” Infantino said. “When we have to wait a little longer, we have to do it. It’s easier to wait a little longer than to take any chances.”
Infantino reiterated that FIFA was evaluating the financial effect of the stoppage in order to plan the right response. “You have to know that we’re going to be there and that we’re going to find solutions together,” he said. “You will never be alone … (and) the world will know where the money goes and, equally important, why the money goes there.” If football manages to have a conversation where everybody makes a constructive contribution and keeps in mind the global interest of the individual, I am sure that our future will be better than our past, and we will be better prepared for the times ahead, “Infantino added.