FIFA president Gianni Infantino has warned against leagues rushing back to football, stressing that, no match is worth risking a single human life.  He said this in a recent video message addressed to the 211 FIFA member Associations and shared with members of the FIFA Council.

Football across the world is currently suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak and there are reports that some matches might kick off anytime from June.

Also Read: Footballing world is joining the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our first 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. It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100% 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.” He maintained.

Because of the restrictions in traditional consultation processes due to coronavirus, he requested member associations “to work with the technology available to engage more, to talk about the common challenges that lie ahead, and to think about the future”.

“I am convinced football will play a key role to bring people back together when it’s safe to play again and be with our friends and families in large groups,” he concluded. “Let’s prepare for that moment…FIFA is with you in these difficult times, and together, we will win!” He concluded.