Chronicle Editor
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THE local football transfer window is likely to reopen before the commencement of the league following new regulations adopted by Fifa that will allow associations to set new dates for player registrations.
Fifa announced on Thursday that national associations have been given leeway to amend their transfer dates to suit their local needs.
Zifa communications manager, Xolisani Gwesela said although they were yet to receive the statement from Fifa they stand guided by the world football governing body.
In the communique, Fifa said registration periods will retain the same format with an initial 12-week window followed by a four-week period (mid-season transfer window).
“If all or part of an open registration period was directly impacted by Covid-19, the particular time period which was directly impacted may be deemed void and reassigned to new dates during the same season,” read the statement.
Football will also be allowed to hold a maximum of three registration periods during a season although in very limited circumstances.
Fifa also amended their laws to temporarily allow players to feature for three teams in one season as it sought to find solutions to contracts that might lapse while leagues are on hold.
The international body encouraged clubs and players to align their contracts with the change in seasons where possible.
While no new dates have been set for the return of football action in the country, Zifa indicated they are looking at the sport resuming in August or September.
The resumption of the game could see clubs making changes the squads they had registered for this season before the Government banned sporting activity as part of efforts to fight Covid-19.
The Premier Soccer League has started preparing for the return of football by assigning their medical committee to come up with protocols and procedures to be followed by all PSL clubs during football competitions in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Online Reporter