FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted that footballers cannot be allowed to jump the Covid-19 jabs queue.
There have been calls for elite athletes to be moved up the priority list to ensure they can play inside secure bubbles.
Infantino has confirmed that footballers are not a vaccination priority at the momentCredit: Reuters
But Infantino, speaking at an appearance at the World Health Organisation, dismissed that idea – but also pledged he expected full houses at the 2022 World Cup Finals.
Infantino said: “The priority for the vaccine is of course for the people at risk and health workers.
“That is very sure in our minds and we don’t consider football players as a priority in this respect.
“Of course, in the months to come and in the context of international competition and travel, vaccination might be recommended at some point.
“The Olympic Games are only in the summer but this will happen respecting established order of distribution. The people at risk should have priority.”
Infantino, though was positive that the global vaccine roll-out would allow a proper World Cup in Qatar starting in November 2022.
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He added: “Next year, at the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, we will have full stadiums. We must have this.
“The virus will be defeated by then NJ and we will all have learned to live with it – and if we are not there yet then we will all have a bigger problem then the World Cup.
“But I am very very confident that the World Cup next year will be incredible, the same magical World Cup experience as usual and help to bring people together and unite the world.
“After a year or more of confinement and lockdown and travel restrictions, I think we will be back to where we have to be.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
