Fabio Capello Says Unvaccinated Players Should Have Their Salaries Reduced

Former England manager Fabio Capello says players who refuse to receive the coronavirus vaccine should have their salaries reduced.

The Italian government has taken the controversial step of making the COVID vaccine compulsory for everyone wanting to play outdoor team sports in the country.

As of January 10, all football players in Italy will now need to be vaccinated as part of a tightening of the rules following the spread of the Omicron variant.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, up to 98 per cent of footballers in Serie A have already been vaccinated.

Capello says players should have their salaries reduced if they refuse the vaccine (Image: Alamy)

Capello say those who refuse to receive the vaccination should have their wages cut.

“I can imagine the footballers’ sources,” Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport, as per Football Italia.

“Not getting the vaccine is an act of selfishness and if police officers are obliged to do so, I don’t see why footballers should be excluded.

“Who doesn’t get the vaccine cause damage to society and should see his salary reduced.”

Serie A will resume on Thursday after its winter break despite rising coronavirus cases in Italy.

Capello believes it is unlikely the season will be suspended – particularly now vaccinations are set to become mandatory for players.

Up to 98 per cent of players in Serie A are thought to be vaccinated (Image: Alamy)

“I don’t think Serie A will stop,” added the former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juventus manager.

“Those who are vaccinated contract the virus in a lighter way and don’t take as long to recover.”

Defending champions Inter Milan are currently top of Serie A – four points clear of rivals AC Milan.

Capello is confident Simone Inzaghi’s side will go on to win the title again this season.

“Inter are already the strongest team in the league, which I have said since the beginning of the season,” added Capello.

“They have kept the same defence and the same midfield, plus [Hakan] Calhanoglu. Inzaghi has transmitted his ideas well and the team are working well under him.”