Coronavirus: Two FA staff members self-isolate after coming into contact with Japan FA president

Football Association is confident no England Women’s players or coaching staff came into contact with Kozo Tashima, who revealed on Monday he has been diagnosed with coronavirus after watching England vs Japan two weeks’ ago

The Football Association has said that two staff members have gone into self-isolation after coming into contact with the Japan Football Association president at the SheBelieves Cup, but have stressed that no England Women’s players have shown any symptoms of coronavirus.

The move is a precaution after JFA president Kozo Tashima announced on Tuesday that he has contracted Covid-19, having been on a business trip from 28 February to 8 March that took him from Japan to Belfast, Amsterdam and finally the United States to watch Japan Women in the SheBelieves Cup, before returning home.

As a result of meeting Tashima when England suffered a 2-0 defeat by Japan on 8 March, two FA staff members have gone into self-isolation, though it was confirmed that these were not players.

“Following news that the president of the Japan Football Association, who was present at the SheBelieves Cup earlier this month, has tested positive for Covid-19, The FA has communicated with all its players and staff who were involved in the tournament.

“We have every confidence that no player or member of the coaching staff was at any time in direct contact with the JFA president during the tournament. He had however been in contact with two FA staff members who are currently asymptomatic and will be following the public health guidance to self-isolate for 14 days.

“The health and safety of all staff and players under our care is our top priority and our medical team has today contacted all those involved in the recent tournament to offer reassurance and advice.

“At present no one associated with the England Women’s senior team is displaying symptoms of Covid-19.”