International football might not return before 2021 – FIFA VP
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World football governing body FIFA has admitted that international games might not be played again before 2021 due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
The organisation’s Vice President, Victor Montagliani, who is heading FIFA’s working group on the fixture calendar, explained that the body was currently dealing with the pandemic impact on the sport.
So far, FIFA has called off all international fixtures due to take place until the end of June, but as the number of infections around the world is expected to reach the 2 million mark by mid week, Montagliani for the first time admitted that fixtures currently earmarked for between September and November might not be played either. The matches include qualification matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which is due to be staged in Qatar.
The European Championship and Copa America, scheduled for the Summer, have already been moved to 2021.
“I personally think that might be a bit of a challenge, not so much because of just the health issues around the world and the various degrees of preparedness, but also committing to international travel as soon as we come back.
He explained that domestic competitions were a priority, and while refusing to say that Autumn international games are definitely off, he said that “the way things are trending right now” the possibility of watching international football in 2020 is currently low.
The FIFA VP also poured cold water on the possibility of fans attending domestic competitions, adding: “If we get the green light to play a football match, I highly doubt that first football match will be with fans. I just can’t see that. I think that would be taking a massive risk.
