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Post by rugbytoffee on Aug 24, 2021 17:44:34 GMT
The Premier League have announced that its clubs will NOT release players for September internationals being played in red-list countries.
The 20 top-flight clubs unanimously decided not to release players and have been strongly supported by the governing body.
It will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs, including Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Wolves forward Raul Jimenez.
It comes following clubs attempts to lobby Government officials - as exclusively revealed by Mirror Sport at the weekend - to allow their stars to not have to quarantine upon their respective returns.
A Premier League statement on Tuesday night said: “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 travellers 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."
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “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.
"Quarantine requirements mean that players’ welfare and fitness will be significantly impacted.
“We understand the challenges that exist in the international match calendar and remain open to workable solutions."
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