FIFA President Advocates For Salary Caps And Transfer Fee Limits In Aftermath Of Covid-19

Covid-19 led to the suspension of football activities around the world back in March, causing the postponement of most international and continental tournaments and it is only now that some degree of normality is being restored.

The German Bundesliga has already resumed behind closed doors while the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A will soon follow suit.

The financial implications of the virus have made several clubs resort to cost-cutting measures in the absence of regular flow of income from matchday tickets as pay cuts have had to be agreed with players while some staff have been furloughed in order to keep certain clubs in business.

"On the financial and governance aspects, I also heard some interesting proposals on a wide range of topics," Infantino wrote in an open letter to FIFA's members.

"From salary caps to transfer-fee caps or other taxation mechanisms, to the possible obligation for governing bodies, competition organisers and clubs to build reserves or to contribute to a reserve fund which can be of assistance in hours of need such as now.

"I personally advocate for clearer and stricter financial regulations, imposing full transparency and good governance principles, and not only limiting this to the transfer system, but to the entire football ecosystem.

"FIFA is doing already a lot of work on this area, even if we face some strong vested interests who fight against our plea for a better global governance in our sport.

"Dear friends, we will need your full support and commitment to move to the next level of good governance in football globally.

"I think that these and other measures, projects and ideas should be discussed at all levels. I know that this is something that will spark intense debate, but debate is healthy, and we should speak about it all together - as we stand together during this difficult period."