English Premier League clubs will not release players for international matches in UK red list countries

(CNN) – England’s Premier League says its clubs have decided “reluctantly but unanimously” not to release players for matches in UK red-listed countries for the upcoming international break next month.

According to UK government guidelines, anyone returning from a red-listed country must be quarantined for a full 10 days, meaning players could miss multiple club games.

The Premier League says these quarantine measures would apply to approximately 60 players from 19 clubs who will travel to 26 countries on the red list.

Argentina, Brazil and Egypt are among the nations currently on the UK’s red list, meaning star players like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Alisson, as well as Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and Ederson will be affected.

On Monday, the Egyptian Football Association said it received a letter from Liverpool explaining that Salah would not be available for Egypt’s World Cup Qualifier in Cairo against Angola on September 2.

The decision of the clubs, which the Premier League says it “strongly supports” comes in response to the decision of the world soccer governing body, FIFA, not to extend its temporary release exception for players who must be quarantined. upon returning from international service.

FIFA did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.

In a statement, the Premier League said that “extensive discussions have been held both with the British Football Association (FA) and the government to find a solution”, but that “no waivers have been granted.”

“Premier League clubs have always supported their players’ wishes to represent their countries – this is a source of pride for everyone involved,” said Premier League Executive Director Richard Masters.

“However, the clubs have reluctantly but rightly concluded that it would be totally unreasonable to release the players in these new circumstances.

“The quarantine requirements mean that the well-being and fitness of the players will be significantly affected. We understand the challenges that exist on the international match schedule and remain open to viable solutions.”

The Premier League explained that if a player were forced to quarantine for 10 days, their well-being and physical condition would be “significantly affected”, and they would also “not be available to prepare and play in two rounds of Premier League matches. , a day of UEFA club competition and the third round of the EFL Cup. “

Mohamed Salah could be one of the affected players

The Spanish League would also support clubs that refuse to release their players for qualifying.

“Right now there are 25 players from 13 different clubs (affected), a number that could be expanded when the Ecuador and Venezuela calls are announced,” La Liga said in a statement.

“The Spanish association understands that the world calendar cannot and should not be changed in this way, especially if there are alternative solutions.”

FIFA also recently announced that it has extended the international hiatus by two days for South American teams to allow teams to catch up with the World Cup qualifiers.

The Premier League expressed “dissatisfaction” with the decision, saying that it “imposes additional international obligations on players from that region, to the detriment of their availability to represent their clubs. FIFA was urged to work with all stakeholders to ensure that an acceptable conclusion can be found on the subject. “