Since the beginning of the Ebola crisis in West Africa, FIFA has been in regular contact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reviewing the impact of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) on global public health, mass gatherings and in particular its potential effects on football. The FIFA Medical Committee will continue to assess the evolution of the disease and take the appropriate measures for the communities and athletes.
Following concerns and questions raised in the football community about the epidemic and its impact on our game worldwide, FIFA would like to provide the following recommendations:
· FIFA supports the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to organise the international matches of the countries currently experiencing EVD intense transmission (Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea) on neutral ground.
· FIFA recommends that on the occasion of international matches, the pre-match training/meeting days of teams from the aforementioned three high-risk countries should also take place on neutral ground.
· Ahead of international matches, in order to detect and contain any possible infections, FIFA recommends that any athlete and member of the entourage which displays symptoms consistent with Ebola and that has history of travel to the countries experiencing intense transmission be immediately isolated and tested for Ebola.
Following concerns and questions raised in the football community about the epidemic and its impact on our game worldwide, FIFA would like to provide the following recommendations:
· FIFA supports the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to organise the international matches of the countries currently experiencing EVD intense transmission (Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea) on neutral ground.
· FIFA recommends that on the occasion of international matches, the pre-match training/meeting days of teams from the aforementioned three high-risk countries should also take place on neutral ground.
· Ahead of international matches, in order to detect and contain any possible infections, FIFA recommends that any athlete and member of the entourage which displays symptoms consistent with Ebola and that has history of travel to the countries experiencing intense transmission be immediately isolated and tested for Ebola.
· Ahead of international matches FIFA recommends that players and members of the entourage from countries experiencing intense transmission conduct self-monitoring, including daily temperature control, for symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease.
· Ahead of international matches involving one of the three high-risk countries, FIFA recommends that fans of the respective teams are made aware of Ebola prevention measures.
· After an international fixture involving a high-risk country, it is advised that clubs carry out a medical check-up of their returning players (both from the high risk countries and the teams that faced them) in order to avoid further concerns.
· FIFA recommends that all teams cooperate with national authorities for the detection and control of Ebola.
· In case of doubt, clubs should contact FIFA’s Medical Department for advice. Any queries made as the situation develops will be dealt on a case by case basis.
· Further information can be found on the WHO web page, particularly the statement on Ebola.
Concerning the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in Morocco, the health of players, officials and football fans remains the highest priority, just as it would for any FIFA competition. According to the World Health Organization there are currently no cases of Ebola reported from Morocco and therefore all preparations continue as planned. FIFA is monitoring the situation and is in close contact with the Moroccan authorities and constantly updating its position in accordance with WHO technical guidance. Should the situation change we will be in touch with the participating clubs accordingly.
· Ahead of international matches involving one of the three high-risk countries, FIFA recommends that fans of the respective teams are made aware of Ebola prevention measures.
· After an international fixture involving a high-risk country, it is advised that clubs carry out a medical check-up of their returning players (both from the high risk countries and the teams that faced them) in order to avoid further concerns.
· FIFA recommends that all teams cooperate with national authorities for the detection and control of Ebola.
· In case of doubt, clubs should contact FIFA’s Medical Department for advice. Any queries made as the situation develops will be dealt on a case by case basis.
· Further information can be found on the WHO web page, particularly the statement on Ebola.
Concerning the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in Morocco, the health of players, officials and football fans remains the highest priority, just as it would for any FIFA competition. According to the World Health Organization there are currently no cases of Ebola reported from Morocco and therefore all preparations continue as planned. FIFA is monitoring the situation and is in close contact with the Moroccan authorities and constantly updating its position in accordance with WHO technical guidance. Should the situation change we will be in touch with the participating clubs accordingly.
By: FIFA.com
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