FIFA has released a new set of guidelines for leagues and clubs on regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virus has brought about an unprecedented halt to the game in many countries, but with leagues starting to plan a turn to play protocols, FIFA is seeking to provide guidance on how to manage complex issues such as contracts and the cross-border transfer of players.
It has meant a relaxation of a number of regulations, and the latest of these is to allow players to feature for three clubs in a season, up from the previous number of two.
This regulation was introduced to stop players ‘club-hopping’, but given the economic impact of COVID-19, there may be many scenarios where clubs look to off-load players or players themselves are released at a second club for the campaign and are seeking employment at a third.