Common sense dictates that the players should not be put to risk – travelling across the world to get home for the games.
TV deals dictate that financial interests take precedence over the health of the players.
FIFPRO, the global players union, made its concerns known.
A statement issued by them said”
“Many players will be travelling in and out of countries with some of the highest incidence of COVID pandemic, with more than 100 cases per 100,000 people.There remain significant risks and legitimate concerns for players and their families.”
CONMEBOL’s most important ally to get the games pushed through has been FIFA president Gianni Infantino. He was present at two video conference meetings in mid-September. In between the two, he used his influence to ensure players would not have to undergo quarantine restrictions on their return to Europe. This removed the legal obstacle to the release of players by the clubs.
The details of the sordid saga can be read here…