FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday that the game of soccer needs to be seen in the wider context of the global economy, saying it needs to reflect the world around it.
Infantino’s comments come as soccer players worldwide are protesting against the proposed ban on the use of foreign currencies for foreign exchange by players in their nations.
The proposed ban is expected to come into force in early 2018, and has sparked protests across the globe.
Players have been using the currency as a form of currency, and the World Cup has been called into question because of the protests.
Infantinos statement is one of many that have been issued by FIFA, with FIFA president Sepp Blatter also saying on Tuesday the proposed move is a “blatant attempt to marginalise” the sport.
“The game of football should reflect the real world, and I think that we should be able to say that as well,” Infantinos statement said.
“It is not a game that is being played for money.
Football is not about the money.”FIFA said that it is concerned that the proposed change could hurt players’ livelihoods and put their jobs at risk.”
We have also been informed by our partners in other countries that we could lose millions of dollars,” FIFA said.”
In response, we are working with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and other stakeholders to find a compromise.”
In response to the issue, the IFAB said in a statement on Tuesday: “We understand that the decision on the foreign exchange rate will be a difficult one for FIFA, and we look forward to its being implemented as soon as possible.”
The IFAB, which has been at the forefront of attempts to reform FIFA, said it will “actively engage with the government, as well as FIFA’s players association, to seek a way forward”.
The IFAB said it is “concerned” by FIFA’s decision, which it said will “not only damage the image of football and the game but also the image and future of the sport in other sports”.
