October 28 – Gianni Infantino has had to clear his diary for the next few days after becoming latest high-profile figure to test positive for Covid-19.
FIFA said its president, whose last public appearances was reportedly at FIFA’s Compliance Summit which ended on October 16 when all attendees were present via video, had reported mild symptoms, is in self-isolation and will quarantine for at least 10 days.
“All people who came into contact with the FIFA President during the last few days have been informed accordingly and they are being requested to take the necessary steps,” a statement said.
No information has been forthcoming about where and when Infantino caught the virus but he attended a signing ceremony at the White House last month to mark the US-brokered diplomatic pact between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Three weeks ago he also went to Qatar to inspect preparations for the 2022 World Cup. FIFA are not saying which, if any, engagements he has had to cancel.
FIFA also did not outline who would lead the organisation should the illness prevent him from carrying out any duties for any prolonged length of thime. AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is FIFA’s first vice president and would be the next in line to step in if an interim president were required.
His case comes amid a surge in second wave infections in Switzerland where authorities are set to announce new measures to control the spread of the virus.
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