FIFA approves pushing back transfer window, extending expiring contracts

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FIFA has recommended that the summer transfer window only open once the current season ends and contracts set to expire on June 30 be extended until that time.

The governing body laid out a series of guidelines and recommendations Tuesday after convening with clubs, players, leagues, national associations, and confederations.

With the majority of leagues suspended in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the sporting calendar has been thrown out of whack. Although FIFA cannot legally impose these regulations on individual leagues and countries, it has strongly recommended that everything be pushed back.

Because it's unclear when play will resume, FIFA has granted national associations the freedom to move the transfer window so it falls between the end of the current season and the beginning of the new one.

The signing period across Europe was supposed to begin July 1.

The provision also allows teams with players on loan to retain those players until the end of the season. New contracts won't kick in until the transfer window opens.

UEFA said last week that it hopes European football can return to action by July.

In addition, FIFA has allowed players and teams to extend contracts nearing the end of their term. That means a player like David Silva can continue playing for Manchester City beyond June 30, when his contract was set to expire.

"Whilst this will not solve each and every problem, it should serve to bring a measure of stability and clarity to football for the foreseeable future," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. "We hope that this collaborative effort, under the leadership of FIFA, can provide a positive example of how football can come together and show unity, solidarity and a spirit of compromise in order to face the challenging times ahead."