London: Premier League clubs have unanimously decided that they would refrain their overseas players to travel to countries that are under United Kingdom’s COVID-19 red list. With the season’s first international break around the corner, the English clubs have decided not to send their men, especially to Brazil and Argentina.
Earlier FIFA had given the power to the clubs to withhold their internationals but they did not retain it for the 2021-22 season. Liverpool initiated the process of not allowing Brazilians Roberto Firmino, Alisson Becker and Fabinho to travel for their international duty.
The Reds included Mohammed Salah from joining the Egyptian squad to travel to Gabon. Like Liverpool, defending Premier League champs Manchester City, also decided against allowing Gabriel Jesus and Ederson to join the Brazilian squad.
With the backing from officials, nearly 19 Premier League clubs have agreed in unison to prevent approximately 60 players from travelling to 26 red list countries. The main reason for the clubs to now allowing their players for international duty is the 10 days of hard quarantine that the players need to follow upon their return to the UK.
“Extensive discussions have taken place with both The FA and the Government to find a solution, but due to ongoing public health concerns relating to incoming travelers from red-list countries, no exemption has been granted,” Premier League said in a statement.
“If required to quarantine on return from red list countries, not only would players’ welfare and fitness be significantly impacted, but they would also be unavailable to prepare for and play in two Premier League match rounds, a UEFA club competition matchday and the third round of the EFL Cup.
“This period takes into consideration 10 days of hotel quarantine on return to England but does not include any additional time that would be required for players to regain match fitness,” it added.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters expressed his displeasure on the recklessness of FIFA and added that it would be quite ‘unreasonable’ to allow their players to amber listed countries during this situation.
“Premier League clubs have always supported their players’ desires to represent their countries – this is a matter of pride for all concerned. However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances,” said Richard.
“Quarantine requirements mean that players’ welfare and fitness will be significantly impacted. We understand the challenges that exist in the international match calendar and remain open to workable solutions,” he added.
