London (UK), August 26: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has asked British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for quarantine exemptions for international players so that they could be released by their clubs in England for international duties next month.
The 20 clubs from the top flight of English football have unanimously decided on Tuesday that they would not allow their players to play international matches in red-list countries next month.
Nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in September for international matches, but under current rules of Britain, all travellers from red-list countries such as Brazil and Argentina are required 10 days of hotel quarantine, which means that the players would have missed a few matches if they returned from international duties.
The Premier League revealed that they have held extensive discussions with both the FA and the British government, but no exemption has been granted.
"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 Premier League chief executive Richard Masters on Tuesday.
The decision means that Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus and goalkeeper Ederson as well as their compatriots Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino from Liverpool could not represent Brazil to play a home match against Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers next month.
Infantino insisted on Wednesday that the release of players in the upcoming international windows is a matter of great urgency and importance.
"I am calling on a show of solidarity from every member association, every league, and every club, to do what is both right and fair for the global game. Many of the best players in the world compete in leagues in England and Spain, and we believe these countries also share the responsibility to preserve and protect the sporting integrity of competitions around the world," read a statement on FIFA official website.
Infantino specifically pointed out that he has written to Johnson and appealed for the necessary support on the issue of quarantine restrictions in England.
Infantino is hoping that "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."
"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," said the FIFA president.
Source: Xinhua