FIFA president Gianni Infantino has made passionate appeal to football clubs in Europe not to go ahead with their decision not allow their players to honour international engagements as the qualifying matches of 2022 FIFA World Cup approach.
Clubs in the English Premier League (EPL) few days ago passed a resolution not to grant players permission to go to countries listed on the UK’s COVID-19 “red list”.
Few hours ago, it was the turn of Serie A clubs who also took the decision not allow their players go to any country on “list E” of Italy’s COVID-19 restriction category.
The argument of the two popular leagues is that players who go out for international matches in the listed countries would be required to observe the mandated 10-day quarantine period.
According to the clubs, the mandated period of quarantine of returnee players put clubs at a competitive disadvantage against teams whose players won’t go through that process.
But Infantino who was not comfortable with the decision of these clubs called out to them because the global game is being threatening with this decision from the clubs. He said: “We have faced global problems together in the past and must continue to do so in the future. The release of players in the upcoming international windows is a matter of great urgency and importance. I am grateful for the support and cooperation 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 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.
“On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England, for players returning from red-list countries, 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™, which is one of the ultimate honours for a professional footballer. I have suggested that an approach similar to that adopted by the UK government for the final stages of the EURO 2020 be implemented for the upcoming international matches.
“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.”
