FIFA recommends renewing player contracts for coronavirus

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, the world football association FIFA has recommended that player contracts be adjusted should the season last longer than originally planned.

Accordingly, expiring contracts should be able to be extended until the end of the season. Player changes planned in summer should also only be carried out afterwards. For football clubs, June 30th usually means the end of the financial year, as well as agreements with sponsors or the media.

FIFA hopes and expects the guidelines to be followed “worldwide,” it said in a statement on the recommendations of a working group with representatives of clubs, players, leagues, national associations and the confederations. The world association also promised flexibility for the transfer windows in the respective countries.

In Germany, players can change until August 31, according to the current status. However, if the season is longer than planned, the transfer period could be postponed.

The German Football League had recently stressed that the season should end on June 30 as planned. Playing in the federal leagues is currently interrupted until at least April 30. UEFA had canceled all internationals and suspended European competitions.