As we head over to the FIFA International break, Premier League Clubs to hold down players in the red hot zone amid the spread of Covid-19.
The FIFA International Break will not be the same as it will be short of talents after the decision made by Premier League teams.
The EPL teams agreed to hold down players from their international duties most especially players from countries where the COVID-19 pandemic is still out of control.
The document issued on Tuesday evening reveals that EPL clubs had meetings with the English government to find a solution on this matter, but given that there are concerns relates to incoming travelers from red-listed countries, the country’s governing body refused to make an exception for these players.
The decision of the Premier League Clubs to hold down players was made considering the fact that, if the player(s) were required to quarantine after returning from a red list country, their welfare and fitness would be significantly impacted.
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Moreover, they would not be available to prepare for and play up to four matches, that is if the club in question is required to play in the EFL Cup or a UEFA-sanctioned competition.
Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Masters stated, “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,”.
This decision will force 60 players from 20 EPL teams to stay in England rather than travelling to represent their home nation in the International break.
The list of players that will not be affected by these decisions includes the like of Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Raúl Jiménez (Mexico), Richarlison, Gabriel Jesús, and Ederson (Brazil), to name a few.
One of the countries that will be hit the hardest by this ruling made by the Premier League Clubs will be Jamaica, which will see up to nine players missing out on the chance to play for the Reggae Boyz.
The decision comes after English clubs protested against FIFA for their decision to extend international breaks all over the world to make way for more qualifying matches in a short period of time.
This decision came mainly because of the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of international matches.
A response by FIFA execs is expected on this matter before the end of the week.
