PLAYERS TO GET COVID-19 FINANCIAL HELP - FIFA

MBABANE – World governing body FIFA has formed a task team that will look into finding ways to help players who will be affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The football industry, just like almost all vocations, is suffering with worldwide outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 virus. This is according to a report carried by South Africa’s Sunday Sun published yesterday. The industry is in shutdown with matches, big tournaments and events having been put on hold in the last two weeks or so. These disruptions have a huge impact and massive financial implications. “The decision was taken on Thursday, but FIFA have not yet given details,” said SAFA President Danny Jordaan.

Forced

FIFA will also be forced to adjust the transfer window period. “This is because the European season ends just like our season in June, as FIFA have said the season might run into August , then they are looking to have a transfer window in September so that the players are not out of contracts when they have to finish the season,” added Jordaan, who is also CAF Vice-President. He added that South Africa too, was facing financial losses due the spread of the virus. “As SAFA, our biggest revenue is going to AFCON and World Cup tournaments. Our Women’s Under-17 team are one match away from qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.” “The SA Under-23 squad have already qualified for the Olympic Games. We are playing in the AFCON and 2022 World Cup qualifiers for both Bafana Bafana and Banyana. So, there could be a huge loss of revenue if those tournaments won’t be happening.”

Postponed

With the PSL matches postponed until April 4, SAFA will work with all stakeholders, including PSL, coaches, Player’s Union, referees, broadcasters and commercial partners. The executive committee will meet and review the situation. SAFA will also consult with the Minister of Sports, Nathi Mthethwa. Jordaan added that FIFA were consistent in their statement that the interest and health of players is of paramount priority. “When you are in football business, you are not selling Coca-Cola or groceries. You need players to perform, or supporters will walk out of stadiums or stay at home. Broadcasters also focus on the players and money is generated because of those players.” “So, for the players to perform, they must be healthy and fit. Top priority is to have healthy and fit players. If there’s any threat to the good and health of players, tackle it quickly before it affects business,” Jordaan said.

Comment

When reached for comment, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe said they have not yet a correspondence from FIFA. “Maybe we will get something to that effect when we go to office tomorrow (today), otherwise nothing has reached our office from FIFA pertaining issue of players who could be affected with the virus,” Radebe said. Effort to get comments from Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Peter ‘Touch’ Magagula hit a snag as his mobile phone rang unanswered when called several times last night.

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