VALIANT CAROL MAKES HER
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have already seen a host of big names fly off to the Africa Cup of Nations.
But what might have gone under the radar is two more rounds of South American World Cup qualifiers at the end of the month.
Brazil face Ecuador in Quito on January 27, then Paraguay in Belo Horizonte on February 1, which could potentially cause chaos to Premier League fixtures and the fourth round of the FA Cup.
On top of that, Prem clubs will face another huge bill for private planes and transport which, on top of the financial implications, is a logistical nightmare while travel is seen as the biggest risk of potentially catching Covid.
Argentina face Chile and Colombia in the crunch round of qualifiers – with another set for March – which are being squeezed into this calendar year because of the winter World Cup.
Brazil’s Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is suspended for the Ecuador game, but Chelsea’s Thiago Silva
(top) and Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus are available, despite being one booking away from suspension. Everton star Richarlison was not picked last time but may be included.
Brazil coach Tite will pick a provisional 40 and then the technical committee will meet on January 14 to trim down the squad to 25, with one source insisting: “They will not hesitate to pick Premier League players.”
Clubs may be asked to release stars from the weekend of January 22/23, rearranged fixtures are being scheduled in free weeks and players could miss FA Cup ties.
Prem clubs have voiced their frustrations over AFCON largely because of the difficulties in the season with the added complication of Covid. Now they are facing a double whammy.
It was all too easy and rather lazy to blame the media coverage over AFCON when the reality was clubs’ frustrations over releasing players, travel, and attempts to get it postponed was being reported.
MANCHESTER CITY could be the first club to have a new sponsorship deal examined by Premier League chiefs.
The clubs voted in new rules last month to ensure that all tie-ups meet market value criteria amid concerns over Newcastle’s Saudi-led takeover to stop anyone registering inflated deals to pass spending regulations.
City this week announced a partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Palace which will feature sponsored logos on training kit and Pep Guardiola (above) did a promotional video.
NATIONAL associations have been hugely impressed on various visits to Qatar ahead of this year’s World Cup. The organisation, infrastructure, facilities and the travel are all expected to make it a well-run tournament.
But European nations are concerned whether there is enough hotel accommodation for fans. Plans are in place for “glamping” in the desert and luxury rooms on moored boats. But it’s unlikely there will be enough and most fans won’t want to go camping.
FIFA laid on talks for national bosses and captains to discuss biennial World Cup plans. England boss Gareth Southgate did not go in October, having already spoken to Arsene Wenger.
But England skipper Harry Kane has not had the briefing, either, though FIFA did talk to other captains. One thing is for sure, a World Cup every two years is not gaining much support among European nations.