Football authorities are optimistic a vaccine for international breaks will be available “within a year” following a series of successful trials.
The development of a possible vaccine is being welcomed as a major breakthrough in the war against the relentless tedium of international football that has afflicted millions of people and battered the world of football.
Scientists, administrators and clubs have welcomed the results from tests as a huge moment that could change every fourth week of the football season for decades to come.
“Honestly, this is huge for those who are afflicted by a sudden sense of dread every time the Premier League takes a weekend off to allow some pointless friendlies take place,” said chief scientist Dr Arnold Boffin, who led the research.
“The last few months have been particularly tough, with the Premier League season interrupted three times for needless friendly games alongside the slightly less pointless Nations League.
The previous international break saw several high-profile players, Cristiano Ronaldo among them, test positive for Covid-19 after being involved with their national side.
The controversies continue this week as Fiorentina players have travelled to play with their countries despite public health restriction in the Florence region, while Iceland’s players won’t be allowed into the UK to play England if they play in Denmark this week, due a new strain of the virus being discovered there.
#Fiorentina’s Director of Sport Daniele #Pradé reveals the local health authority prevented players from leaving Florence but a FIFA notice ‘obliged’ them to join their national teams: 'We don't know who to answer to' https://t.co/7dRaS9eGjO #SerieA #Covid #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/lTnHmTJTEL
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) November 10, 2020
“International breaks have been especially hazardous in recent months,” a source within the Premier League said, and they appear to be multiplying at an alarming rate – there have only been eight Premier League rounds played and we’ve already stopped three times for them.”
“We have to do something or this could get out of control. Fast.”
The possible vaccine would see international breaks banished for the foreseeable future from the football calendar, meaning it could be March 2021 by the time another break looms.
In recent months a number of alternative measures have been looked at to work around the upsurge in international breaks.
“The players. the clubs the fans, no one wants this problem to continue, We’ve considered a lockdown for all players, not allowing them to leave to play these games, but a vaccine for international breaks might help prevent them ever occurring again.”
Paris Saint-Germain’s Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera (L) vies for the ball with Manchester United’s Swedish defender Victor Lindelof during the UEFA Champions League Group H first-leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester United at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on October 20, 2020. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Some players, though, have been prevented from travelling for games due to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.
Today the Swedish FA has thanked Manchester United for refusing to release Victor Lindelof to travel to play against the Danes this week because of the travel restrictions.
“We’re grateful for United taking this stance as it saves us dropping him.”
“Have you seen them defending this season? They’ve been leakier than a cheap Ikea tap,” a statement read.
And reports suggest England’s Nations League tie with Iceland next week could be moved to Albania from Wembley if the travel restrictions interfere with the fixture.
Coach Gareth Southgate said his side would be willing to play the Icelanders “anywhere” when asked, though refused to be drawn on whether Joe Hart would be recalled to the side to exorcise the demons of England’s Euro 2016 defeat.
“Joe’s been onto me, that this is the perfect opportunity for him to front up and take responsibility for that mess in 2016.
“It’s brave him to do so, but we’ve got Jordan Pickford to throw one in for Iceland this time and I’m sticking with him,” the England boss said.
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