FIFA: approval and adaptation of protocols and regulations in response to the Covid-19 health crisis

The Bureau of the FIFA Council has approved the "Return to Football - International Match Protocol" (document available to download), "which FIFA shared with its 211 member associations and the six confederations, in light of the current evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic," announced the International Federation on 01/10/2020.

"FIFA's Return to Football - International Match Protocol is the result of an extensive consultation process with the six confederations and stakeholder representatives. It provides important safeguards for the health and safety of players and delegates while simultaneously facilitating a return to play and the provision of exemptions by local authorities, where relevant," added FIFA.

In response to the health crisis caused by the Coronavirus, the global body is taking two further steps:
• Adaptation of the World Cup qualifying regulations to incorporate the new mandatory measures and the possibility of five substitutes.
• A temporary amendment of the rules on the release of players to provide the necessary flexibility and guarantees for national teams, clubs…