Infantino confirms that re-opening the stadiums is the goal, but the priority is health

Swiss International Football Federation President Jani Infantino said Wednesday that reopening football stadiums is the "goal" as the start of local tournaments around the world approaches, but health must remain the priority.

"Football without fans is not the same, but health is more important," Infantino stressed after meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in Rome to discuss the resumption of competitions, as the Italian League will kick off on September 19 behind closed doors.

The FIFA president, who was making the first trip to Italy since the start of the "Covid-19" crisis, added: "Certainly, reopening the stadiums (to the public) is the goal, but without pressure or setting deadlines. Let us work seriously towards returning to normalcy." .

In turn, the president of the Italian Federation, Gabriel Gravina, has been equally cautious on the issue as calls are increasing to partially open the stands in the country from clubs, players and coaches.

Gravina considered that the priority now in Italy is to open schools before thinking about reopening the stadiums to fans, as most students return to their schools next week. "Schools start first and then we will gradually examine the possibility of reopening the stadiums," he said.

The Italian Federation president took the opportunity to indicate that he would give the green light to the continued existence of the five changes in the match during the next season.

FIFA's measure to reduce the risk of injury to players has been extended this season to tournaments that want it.

"In this particular case (corona repercussions), the five changes are a very good solution. It will be implemented until the end of the season, and we will see for the future," Infantino said.

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