text: Measures to prevent the spread or reintroduction of COVID-19 In line with the recommendations issued by the World Health Organization, FIFA's Return to Football – International Match Protocol defines a set of preventative measures to be implemented in the footprint of matches and all official sites:
  FIFA World Cup 2022™ preliminary competition in the spotlight Since the protocol will be implemented for the FIFA World Cup 2022™ qualifiers, the relevant competition regulations have been amended accordingly: the amendments include the ability for participating teams to use up to five substitutes during matches.
  Release of players temporarily adapted The Bureau of the FIFA Council has also approved several temporary amendments to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. In making this decision, the Bureau took into consideration the role the FIFA protocol will play in the mitigation of risks related to COVID-19 and in obtaining the required exemptions from authorities for sportspersons travelling internationally for the purpose of matches with their national teams.
  These temporary amendments shall apply to all international windows for men's football, women's football, and futsal scheduled for the remainder of 2020.
  The rules relating to release of players to association teams, as provided for in Annexe 1 [of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players], apply as normal except where:
  FIFA together with the confederations and member associations will continue to monitor the situation regarding the travel and quarantine policies of the relevant authorities in relation to the upcoming international matches.
  FIFA strongly urges all member associations, clubs and players to work together in a spirit of solidarity to share information and find compromises for the benefit of all parties concerned under the regulatory framework that has now been temporarily adapted.