FIFA sees 'duty' to help football community: G. Infantino

As the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic ripple across world football, FIFA sees a "duty" to offer a lifeline from its vast cash reserves.

Talks are underway about how the governing body's support fund will be distributed, with the global players' union appealing for cash to be targeted at the smaller markets, rather than the elite end of the game.

No part of the world's biggest sport has been untouched by the rapid spread of the COVID-19 disease as games have been wiped out across professional leagues.

"FIFA is in a strong financial situation, and it's our duty to do the utmost to help them in their hour of need," world football's governing body said in a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

"FIFA is working on possibilities to assist the football community around the world after making a comprehensive assessment of the financial impact this pandemic will have on football."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his vice presidents first agreed two weeks ago to explore a "support fund," and now talks are being expanded across the six regional confederations and member associations to determine the mechanism to distribute the cash.