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FIFA warns it’d be ‘more than irresponsible’ to resume competitions now

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FIFA President Infantino to speak to 'racially-abused' Muntari

With some leagues around the world already looking at resuming amid the coronavirus pandemic, world football governing body FIFA has reiterated its stand.

Football activities across the world, in Europe, Asia, America and Africa, had been suspended due to the spread of the virus that has killed thousands of persons.

The move has crippled the sports in every way, especially economically- which has forced league leaders to be considering an restart to cushion the effect of the pandemic on club finances.

The German Bundesliga had hinted of resuming the League soon while Spanish La Liga said it was looking at returning to the games by the end of May.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, however, says it would be more irresponsible to have the game return just yet, seeing that the virus is yet to be defeated.

Read Also: Men’s Football: $7.35bn spent on transfers in 2019 — FIFA

“As our main priority, our principles, the ones we employ in our competitions and also we invite to everyone to follow, is health comes first,” the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) channels quoted Infantino on Thursday.

“As much as I emphasise it, it is not enough. It’s not worth to put at risk any human life for any game, any competition, nor any league.
Everyone should have this clear in their minds.

“It would be more than irresponsible to restart the competitions if the situation isnot safe 100 per cent. If you must wait a bit more time, we must do it. It is better to waita bit more than taking risks.”

Infantino also talked up FIFA’s efforts geared toward providing emergency funds to football bodies around the world in the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The world football governing body has reportedly earmarked $2.7 billion for such bailouts.

The Coronavirus disease has taken the lives of over 95,000 person globally.

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