FIFA President Gianni Infantino has asked the Premier League and La Liga to ‘preserve and protect sporting integrity’ by releasing players for international duty in September.
Infantino Asks Premier League and La Liga to Release Players
FIFA President Has Written to Boris Johnson about Quarantine Rules
The Premier League released a statement which explained that ‘due to ongoing public health concerns relating to incoming travellers from red-list countries, no (quarantine) exemption has been granted’ for Premier League footballers returning from international duty. La Liga soon after announced it would be following the same measures.
60 players were set to travel to 26 different countries in the red zone during September’s international break.
FIFA has responded with a statement calling for a ‘show of solidarity’ from both leagues, in a statement which read: “On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England, for players returning from red-list countries, I have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and appealed for the necessary support, in particular, so players are not deprived of the opportunity of representing their countries in qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup, which is one of the ultimate honours for a professional footballer.
“I have suggested that an approach similar to that adopted by the UK government for the final stages of the Euro 2020 be implemented for the upcoming international matches. Together we have shown solidarity and unity in the fight against COVID-19. Now, I am urging everyone to ensure the release of international players for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”
FIFA’s statement was made soon after the EFL announced it has also taken the ‘collective decision’ to not release players to red zone countries this international break.
Without an exemption from the UK government, players returning from international duty would have to quarantine for ten days, meaning several teams would likely miss key players for multiple fixtures.
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