Italian PFA President Tommasi: “The Government’s Decision Regarding Training Makes No Sense”

Damiano Tommasi, the president of the Italian player’s association (AIC), has slammed the Italian government’s recent decision in relation to the resumption of training and possible resumption of the season.

“It makes no sense. I’m not talking about the resumption of the season hanging on many unknowns but about the possibility for players to train individually in structures where they are controlled,” the former Roma midfielder explained in an interview with Milan based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, which appeared in today’s print edition.

“We are talking about the health of the athletes and this decision risks aggravating things. As far as footballers are concerned, they must get back to top condition after this obligatory stop as it is necessary to avoid injuries.”

He was then asked what the AIC’s stance is when it comes to the possibility of the season resuming and what would happen if another player tested positive following the restart.

“The positivity of a footballer is a central theme. Will he stop? Will he be isolated? Will tests be carried out on others and play continues? The protocol that has been prepared included a series of cases, but it seems that it presents critical issues and needs to be reviewed. In any case, everything must be very clear.”

Next he was asked about salary cuts.

“As regards to the salary cuts, many clubs have reached agreements with the players. Here At AIC, we are more concerned about the leagues below Serie A, because salaries are completely different.”

Tommasi was then asked about the ongoing issue relating to expiring contracts and loan deals which are due to come to an end on June 30.

“The extension of loans and contracts has not yet been addressed. FIFA need to authorise things and then an agreement between the club and player needs to be reached.

“In theory a club may not want to employ a player whose contract is expiring or a player with an expiring deal wants to move to another club and may already have a deal in place with another club. A universal rule is needed but it needs worked on.”

In conclusion he was asked if it is necessary for what would happen in the event that the season would have to come to a stop again to be established prior to it possibly resuming.

“This is fundamental. The rules must be decided first by establishing how the season would end.”