Leeds United and coronavirus - FIFA president Gianni Infantino calls for 'clearer and stricter financial regulations'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for "clearer and stricter financial regulations" at all levels as clubs across the game struggle with the financial implications of the coronavirus outbreak.
FIFA President Gianna Infantino. Picture: Elsa/Getty Images.FIFA President Gianna Infantino. Picture: Elsa/Getty Images.
FIFA President Gianna Infantino. Picture: Elsa/Getty Images.

Leeds United have not escaped the financial consequences of the crisis and have estimated they will lose appropriately £2.5m from their five home matches which are now set to be played behind closed doors.

It was also revealed yesterday that EFL clubs will have to pay a share of £10m back to broadcasters Sky Sports for games not shown during the suspension of football in Britain.

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Proposals have already been drawn up to introduce salary caps in League One and Two but nothing has come to light regarding plans of a similar regard for the top two tiers.

Infantino has advocated for salary and transfer-fee caps and has urged governing bodies and clubs to build better cash reserves to help cope during unprecedented times of need.

"On the financial and governance aspects, I also heard some interesting proposals on a wide range of topics," he 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.

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"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.

General view of the Elland Road, home of Leeds United on March 18, 2020 in Leeds, England. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images.General view of the Elland Road, home of Leeds United on March 18, 2020 in Leeds, England. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images.
General view of the Elland Road, home of Leeds United on March 18, 2020 in Leeds, England. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images.

"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.

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"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."

The Premier League and Championship are both set to return this month while the Bundesliga has been playing matches behind closed doors since the middle of May.

The Whites first game since the shutdown will be at Cardiff City, with matches scheduled in the same order from before the Championship season was suspended.

While the focus has been on resuming the top leagues across Europe, Infantino insists FIFA have considered the implications of the coronavirus outbreak on all clubs and are working a financial relief plan.

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"The need for top club football to resume has understandably taken priority, but we must also consider national teams, women's football, lower-tier domestic leagues, youth and the grassroots game," Infantino added.

"We have to show unity across all aspects of football and make sure football can resume in its globality. This is our priority and our financial relief plan will also follow this principle.

"In a constructive spirit of consultation that seeks to benefit all of football, FIFA is working hard to present a positive solution to the FIFA Council in the coming weeks."

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