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WATCH | Gianni Infantino on FIFA rescue package and fans returning

FIFA president Gianni Infantino would like to prioritise women's football, weaker leagues and the...



WATCH | Gianni Infantino on FI...
Soccer

WATCH | Gianni Infantino on FIFA rescue package and fans returning

FIFA president Gianni Infantino would like to prioritise women's football, weaker leagues and the grassroots game when its rescue package is finalised.

Not long after the coronavirus pandemic began to spread across the world, the governing body announced that it was setting up an emergency fund to assist players and competitions that were suffering due to the financial impact of football shutting down.

In a video released on Saturday, Infantino gave some indication as to how FIFA would decide where to distribute the funds.

"The need for top club football to resume has understandably taken priority but we must also consider national teams, women's football, lower tier domestic leagues, youth and the grassroots game," said Infantino.

"We have to show unity across all aspects of football and make sure football can resume in its globality.

"This is our priority and our financial relief plan will also follow this prinicpal."

The news will be of interest to the FAI which is currently still trying to plan how to resume and continue the SSE Airtricity League season.

Irish clubs have been hit hard by the pandemic with matchday revenue, the lifeblood of clubs in the Premier and First Divisions, wiped out and with no certainty regarding supporters returning to watch live games.

There may be some time to wait before any funding can be sought from FIFA.

"In a constructive spirit of consultation, that seeks to benefit all of football, FIFA is working hard to present a positive solution to the FIFA council in the coming weeks," added Infantino.

"We are developing a system that is manageable but also, needs based. We want the financial relief plan to have a broad reach that also includes women's football and that operates in a modern, efficient and transparent way.

"This means having a robust governance structure which also ensures accountability on how the financial sums will be allocated."

The Premier League in England, Spain's La Liga and Serie A in Italy are all set to join the Bundesliga in Germany, in resuming the season behind closed doors over the next few weeks.

La Liga and Serie A bosses have already discussed plans to admit reduced numbers of supporters into stadiums while maintaining social distancing but the FIFA president has urged leagues to take their time when considering this.

"Football without spectators is clearly not the same but we need to be patient when considering the right time to bring fans back to the stadiums," said Infantino.

"We will continue to work tirelessly but also discreetly and respectfully to move beyond these temporary measures and to ensure that fans are welcome back in a safe and responsible way."

 

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Bundesliga FAI FIFA Gianni Infantino La Liga Premier League SSE Airtricity League Serie A