A day before the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, several French players are showing cold symptoms.
Raphaël Varane, Ibrahima Konaté, Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano are reported to be suffering from a fever. According to French media, on Friday afternoon all players in the squad at least took part in training. It remains unclear whether they are fully fit for the final against Argentina on Sunday (18.12.2022/6 p.m. CET, live on the first).
There could be many causes: Corona virus, RS virus or flu are currently commonplace. Air conditioning, which is ubiquitous in Qatar, could also have caused illnesses in over-air-conditioned interiors. The consequence remains that coach Didier Deschamps may have personnel worries before the most important football game in the world.
Deschamps: “We’re trying to protect ourselves”
FIFA had made larger squads with up to 26 players possible for the World Cup, citing the unusual date of the World Cup and the possible uncertainties caused by the corona virus as reasons. 23 is the minimum, but Deschamps, like all coaches, nominated the full possible number of 26 players. With Karim Benzema and Lucas Hernández injured, Deschamps have 24 players left.
“I’m doing well”said Deschamps at a press conference on Saturday (17.12.2022). “As for the players, I left this morning, they were all asleep so I don’t really know.” More information will be available in the evening or in the hours before the final against Argentina.
However, Deschamps indirectly confirmed that he was concerned about possible infections between the players. “We try to protect ourselves, adapt to the situation and live with it”he said.
Corona: The rules fell in Qatar, and so did FIFA
There is an assumption in the French media that a variant of the corona virus may be spreading among the players. There are hardly any rules for dealing with it at the World Cup. While around a year before the tournament there was talk of mandatory vaccination even for players, according to information from the sports show, FIFA is referring to the actions of the local authorities.
And Qatar has lifted virtually all of the requirements. Vaccination, quarantine and testing upon entry are not mandatory, which applies equally to fans, journalists, players or team delegations. A hygiene concept that existed at many football competitions at the beginning of the pandemic is not in force. And such a concept for other diseases does not exist anyway.
The rules: What happens in an emergency?
The decision as to whether a player is fit for action lies with the teams and their medical staff. As a rule, you should not play with an infection, as health consequences are possible. If, in extreme cases, several players fail, the only thing that remains is to refer to the general football rules. It states: If a team has fewer than seven players on the pitch, the game may not be started or continued.
France is far from that, but the situation remains a challenge. “Sometimes there are unpredictable situations where the key word is ‘customize'”said Deschamps. “The most important thing when preparing for a game like this is to stay calm.”
