FIFA has given clubs permission to block international call-up for now

To reduce the risk of footballers getting exposed to coronavirus, FIFA has made some rule changes.

Under this rule the clubs are no longer obliged to send players to represent their national team for the time being.

In a statement released by the worlds governing body for football, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said:

“In light of the current situation concerning the Coronavirus, the Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided that the general football rules which normally oblige clubs to release players for national team matches will not apply for the up-coming international windows in March/April.”

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

“FIFA understands that to hold the matches under current circumstances might not only present potential health risks to players (and to the general public).”

“But would also, most likely, compromise the sporting integrity of such matches insofar as certain teams may be deprived of their best squads whilst others may not.”

“To avoid any unnecessary health risks and also situations of potential sporting unfairness, we, therefore, recommend that all international matches previously scheduled to take place in March and April should now be postponed until such time that they can take place in a safe and secure environment, both for players and for the general public.”

“The final decision on this issue rests with the respective competition organizers or relevant member association in case of friendlies.”