Through an official statement, The Premier League announced that English clubs will not yield their players to the national teams for the triple date of the South American Qualifiers to be played between September 2 and 9.
Now, the resolution of FIFA on the matter is awaited. National teams such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Chile will be affected by this resolution.
The official statement states the following:
Premier League clubs have unanimously decided not to release players for international matches to be played in the red list countries next month. The decision, which is strongly supported by the Premier League, will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs who will travel to 26 red-list countries in the September international window.
This follows FIFA’s current position not to extend its temporary release exception for footballers who must be quarantined upon return from the international break.
Extensive discussions have taken place with both the FA and the government to find a solution, but due to the current public health situation related to travelers arriving from red list countries, no waivers have been granted.
Should it be necessary to quarantine them upon return from the red list countries, not only would the footballers’ well-being and fitness be significantly affected, but they would also not be available to prepare and play on two Premier League dates, one UEFA club competition day and the third round of the EFL Cup.
This period takes into account 10 days of hotel quarantine upon return to England, but does not include the additional time that would be required for players to regain physical condition for the match.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Premier League clubs have always supported their players’ wishes to represent their countries; this is a source of pride for everyone involved. 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 clubs also discussed their dissatisfaction with FIFA’s decision to extend CONMEBOL’s international window for two days in September and October from nine to 11 days.
This 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 reached on the matter.