Fifa wants Boris to allow quarantine exemptions
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to prime minister Boris Johnson requesting exemptions for players due to play in red-list countries in the upcoming international break.
The Premier League announced on Tuesday clubs had ‘reluctantly but unanimously’ decided not to release anyone due to play in nations recognised by the government as being at the highest level of coronavirus risk.
The decision applies to nearly 60 players from 19 top-flight clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries, with even more players impacted after the English Football League announced it was following suit ahead of the September internationals. The announcement the Championship, League One and League Two would follow the Premier League’s stance had come minutes before Infantino pleaded for the relaxation of rules for players.
‘We have faced global problems together in the past and must continue to do so in the future,’ he said.
‘The release of players in the upcoming international windows is a matter of great urgency and importance. I am grateful for the support and co-operation from many stakeholders in the game during this challenging period. 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 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.
‘On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England, 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.’