Players’ Association President Damiano Tommasi compared the coronavirus pandemic to a serious injury, as Italy reaches a plateau. “It’s fundamental to avoid a relapse.”
After FIGC President Gabriele Gravina touted the May 20 potential start date for Serie A fixtures, the Lega Serie A released a statement warning they would only resume “when health conditions allow it,” rather than setting a specific deadline.
Players’ Association President Damiano Tommasi compared the coronavirus pandemic to a serious injury, as Italy reaches a plateau. “It’s fundamental to avoid a relapse.”
After FIGC President Gabriele Gravina touted the May 20 potential start date for Serie A fixtures, the Lega Serie A released a statement warning they would only resume “when health conditions allow it,” rather than setting a specific deadline.
There has also been debate about whether players should accept a pay cut during the lockdown, anywhere from one month to four of their salaries.
“My opinion is that the priority is to protect the athletes, particularly those in the lower divisions,” AIC President Tommasi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Some institutions, such as FIFA and UEFA, ought to put some of their funds at the disposal of players and clubs to limit economic fallout. I am not forgetting women’s football in all this, either. I hope this stop does not wipe out the growing enthusiasm and investment for women’s football.”
The other concern right now seems to be uncertainty, as it’s reported UEFA have set a deadline of August 3 for domestic leagues to reach a natural conclusion.
In Italy, the number of new deaths, cases and intensive care admissions have reached a plateau, but aren’t dropping as rapidly as many would hope.
“Nobody can tell what’s going to happen or when we can return to the field. It’s the coronavirus that decides and those who are fighting to defeat it.
“If I could compare the pandemic to a very serious injury, a player is fired up and does all he can to get back on the pitch as soon as possible, but it’s that final month when he gets back to training that really counts. We’re nearly there, we mustn’t be hasty, as it’s fundamental to avoid a relapse,” continued Tommasi.
“The hope, speaking on behalf of the Players’ Association, is to get back on the field in the summer, but we need guarantees for the safety of players and their families. When you see images of a military convoy carrying coffins out of Bergamo because the crematorium can’t keep up… those pictures will be in history books one day.”
The latest Government decree put a stop to discussions on when to return to training sessions by barring them until at least April 12.
“It’s a similar debate to that of games, who gets to decide when we can return? Will it be in individual sessions, small groups, or a full squad? Once again, we have to see how things progress.”