World football governing body, FIFA, has welcomed the ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport which rejected the Spanish La Liga’s request to set aside its decision to extend the international window for the World Cup qualifiers in South America by two days.
In a statement issued on its website on Sunday, FIFA said it had extended the international window by two days after consulting all relevant stakeholders.
It said it also took into account all relevant circumstances, in particular, the challenges created by the Covid pandemic and especially health considerations for players.
“Today’s CAS decision confirms the legality of FIFA’s decision and entirely rejects the arguments made by Spain’s LaLiga,” the statement read.
“On Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for a show of solidarity from all member associations, leagues, and clubs, to do what is right and fair for the global game.
“We now expect the release of players for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers in South America to occur in accordance with the recent FIFA decision, the legality and legitimacy of which has today been recognised in today’s CAS ruling.”
