NEWSLETTER-2020-metin

How the Covid-19 Outbreak has affected the Law of Football: FIFA’s Guiding Principles* Att. Ece Özsü Introduction The Covid-19 outbreak, which has been announced as being a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has overwhelmed all ac- tivities around the globe. Football is one of the areas majorly affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. As the virus has spread, most of the football leagues have taken appropriate measures, have suspended competi- tions, and have ceased football activities. On 17 March 2020, the FIFA Presidency released to the media a statement (“Statement”) concerning the outbreak, which has paralyzed football activities all over the world. 1 In the Statement, it is obliga- tory to find appropriate and fair solutions that can only be reached through unity, solidarity, and a shared sense of responsibility, in such crucial moments. It is also states that considering, firstly, health and, subsequently, sporting solidarity are the most important values for the football world, the FIFA has been in constant discussions with all of the football stakeholders from around the world, and the Bureau of the FIFA Council (“Bureau”) has been invited to a conference call to see how these matters can be progressed, collectively. On 18 March 2020, a working group (“Working Group”) was cre- ated by the Bureau in response to the Covid-19 outbreak in order to examine the needs of amendments or temporary dispensations through the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (“RSTP”), and/ or any adjustments that may need to be considered to the transfer win- dows. * Article of April, 2020 1 Please see the full Statement: https://www.fifa.com/who-we-are/news/statement- from-the-fifa-president.