FIFA, in conjunction with World Health Organization (WHO), UEFA, the European Club Association (ECA) and other football stakeholders have developed a risk assessment tool for the safe return of footballing activities.
The tool includes a list of mitigation measures that aim to reduce the overall risk of mass gatherings contributing to the spread of COVID-19, as well as indications for individual and group training by football teams.
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The risk assessment tool will be shared with FIFA’s 211 Member Associations, the six continental confederations and other stakeholders as it outlines key planning considerations for the organisers of footballing events in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the 16th of April 2020, a working group which consisted of a medical/scientific representative of each of the six confederations, two external Medical Doctors acting as external consultants to FIFA and two Medical Personnel from FIFA, was established by FIFA to consider the critical factors required for football to resume safely without exposing the participants to public health crisis going forward as countries gradually resume their respective leagues.
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The concerted effort is to consider the health of all participants in footballing activities both at professional and amateur level, the recommendations listed include hygiene and distancing in training and competitive environments, testing and monitoring where appropriate and travel precautions & facilities including hotels and homestay.
The recommendations of the working group are meant to be implemented in conjunction with national and international protocols on public health.
Written by;
Uche Agba
