FIFA GIVES PERMISSION TO CLUBS TO DENY PLAYERS FOR INTERNATIONAL CALL-UP.

The governing body has enabled clubs to dent their employees to go out and play for their countries in an attempt to deny the spread of coronavirus. 

FIFA have issued a statement granting clubs to prevent their players from joining up with their national teams and have recommended that all international matches will be postpone until further notice because of coronavirus. 

The outbreak has already seen top level matches postpone both at domestic level and also at European level.

A round of international fixtures were scheduled to take place in March and in April with Euro 2020 qualification being among the the international fixtures, but Fifa decided that the matches should not take place.

"In light of the current situation concerning coronavirus, the Bureau of FIFA council has decided the general football rule which normally allow clubs to release players to go play for their national teams will not apply for the up-coming international matches in March/April." An official FIFA statement read.

"The situation is rapidly evolving across the world and various international travel restrictions have already been imposed by different authorities."

FIFA understands that to hold the matches after current situations might not only be a potential health risk for players but would also most likely compromise the sporting integrity of such matches as certain teams may be deprived of their best squads whilst others may not," the statement continued.

"To avoid an unnecessary health risk and also situations of potential sporting unfairness, we therefore recommend that all international matches that were scheduled to be played in March and April have to be postpone until the time they can take place in a safe and secure environment, both for the player and also the general public. The final decision for this issue relies on the respective competition organizers or relevant association in case of friendlies."

FIFA also insists that work regarding the rescheduling of any postponed games already underway. 

"The qualifying matches for FIFA World Cup in Asia and South America have already been postpone following the consultation between FIFA and the confederations concerned," the statement read.

"In consultation with the confederations and the relevant stakeholders, FIFA will be studying the possibilities for re-sheduling any postponed matches and is confident that with goodwill and flexibility from all sides, appropriate solutions will be found to allow the matches to take place in due time and with minimal disruption."

We are working in co-operation with relevant national and international public heath authorities and take into account the expert advice on the matter as we consider this measure and recommendation to be the most appropriate and responsible step to take under the current situation or circumstances."