FIFA to donate $10m to World Health Organistion fund to tackle coronavirus outbreak

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has responded to the coronavirus crisis by pledging that the governing body will donate $10m to the World Health Organisation and their COVID-19 fund.

Infantino made the declaration in a Fifa council meeting this afternoon, and added that Fifa will look to work together wherever possible with the Solidarity Response Fund to ensure that support is given.

Infantino has also pledged to

– Assess the viability of a support fund to provide assistance to clubs, players and member organisations

– Exploring further solutions to ensure that the football calendar at all levels can be completed

– Look at the need for regulations to offer special dispensations on the status and transfers of players given the status of worldwide competitions, with contracts coming to an end on 1 July.

Infantino said of the decision

“This exceptional situation requires exceptional measures and decisions. This crisis impacts the entire world and that is why solutions need to take into account the interests of all stakeholders around the world. We have shown again today a spirit of cooperation, solidarity and unity.

“These must be our key drivers moving forward and I would like to thank all the Confederations Presidents for their positive contributions and efforts. Fifa will keep in close contact with all stakeholders to assess and take the necessary steps to deal with the variety of issues we are facing.

“I count on the support of the whole football community moving forward.”