Re-starting football too early is irresponsible, FIFA boss Infantino warns

Football around the world has come to a standstill with domestic leagues on hold due to Covid-19. [Courtesy]

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has led to an indefinite postponement of football activities globally with not so soothing financial implications.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has, however, warned that re-starting football too early amid the coronavirus pandemic would be insensitive and irresponsible.

The pandemic has also led to the postponement of major sporting events including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Euro 2020 and the Copa America for one year.

"Our priority, our principle, the one we will use for our competitions and encourage everyone to follow is that health comes first.

"I cannot stress this enough. No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life. Everyone in the world should have this very clear in their mind,” Infantino told the media on Friday.

The top five top leagues in Europe and others around the world are in discussions over when and how to re-start the season while in some countries there are disagreements over whether players should face pay cuts.

"It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100 per cent safe.

"If we have to wait a little longer we must do so. It’s better to wait a little bit longer than to take any risks,” said Infantino.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino. /AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS]

The FIFA boss pointed out that the world football governing body was assessing the financial implications brought about by the stoppage.

"You have to know that we will be there and we will find solutions together.

"You will never be alone… (and) the world will know where the money goes and, equally important, why the money goes there.

"If football manages to have a discussion where everyone contributes positively and keeps in mind the global interest over the individual one, I am convinced our future can be better than our past, and we will be better prepared for the times ahead," said Infantino.

Italy’s football federation (FIGC) has begun to draw up medical guidelines for a possible re-start of Serie A, which has been suspended since March 9 because of Covid-19.

The Italian league was two-thirds of the way through the season when it was interrupted and the FIGC wants to complete the campaign to reduce financial damage.

It has said it is prepared to continue until September or October if necessary.