We have the latest on FIFA’s decision to force players to the next international break and the negative response from European leagues.
FIFA is currently getting into a senseless war with the biggest European leagues that are refusing to send their players to the next international break. As we all know, we have a World Cup qualifier coming less than two weeks from now but we are in the most delicate time of this global pandemic. There are several countries from the American continent that are considered red-listed for traveling. The Premier League was the first major league to confirm their disagreement with FIFA by stating their support to clubs.
FIFA received an official complaint from Conmebol after this statement from the Premier League demanding them to force everybody to comply to the established rules during international breaks. Soon after the statement, the Spanish La Liga followed suit by releasing their own official statement through their official website. Two of the most powerful leagues in Europe have reached a point of no return with FIFA and Gianni Infantino.
What does the Premier League say?
This is the statement they published through their official website: “Premier League clubs have today reluctantly but unanimously decided not to release players for international matches played in red-list countries next month. The clubs’ decision, which is strongly supported by the Premier League, will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in the September international window. This follows FIFA’s current position not to extend its temporary release exception for players required to quarantine on their return from international duty.
“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. 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.”
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