FIFA joins WHO in battle against coronavirus pandemic

FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Monday called for the governing body to join forces with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to fight against the global coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reported. 

Infantino and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus were at a media conference to launch the "pass the message to kick out coronavirus" video campaign.

"We need teamwork to combat the coronavirus," Infantino said.

"FIFA has teamed up with WHO because health comes first.

"I call upon the football community worldwide to join us in supporting this campaign to pass the message even further. Some of the greatest players to have played the beautiful game have put their names to the campaign and are united in their desire to pass the message to kick out COVID-19.”

Argentina forward Lionel Messi, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Brazil keeper Alisson Becker were among 28 players to back the initiative.

The football stars are featured in video clips issuing reminders about washing hands, sneezing etiquette, distancing, face-touching and what to do if you develop symptoms.

"This virus is a global problem and it has shown to all of us two things. One, is how vulnerable we are and the other is how global the world is. Exceptional situations require exception measures and global problems require global solutions," said Infantino.

"We have to be strong and follow the guidance of WHO and our governments, and after we will have to rebuild our relations with maybe, and hopefully, more solidarity and understanding for each other. Football is ready to play its part for that."

Furthermore, FIFA have pledged to give $10 million to support the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO.

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