FIFA, Through its president Gianni Infantino, reported this Wednesday that negotiations were initiated with the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, for the Premier League to release the footballers summoned to the South American teams for the qualifying rounds for the Qatar 2022 World Cup
The head of the Zurich-based entity published a statement in which urged “everyone” involved to “ensure the release of international players for the next” Playoff matches. “The release of players in the next international windows it is a matter of great urgency and importance “Infantino remarked at the beginning of the text published on the official FIFA website.
Infantino’s letter came after South American Premier League players called up for the triple playoff date were not allowed to travel through their clubs, due to health restrictions imposed by the British Government for people entering from a list of countries classified as “red alert”.
In that context, all travelers entering the UK from South America, Mexico and Africa (their qualifying process towards Qatar begins in September), among other sites, they must undergo a “isolation period of at least 10 days” to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, which alarmed the teams that owned the players’ passes.
“I appeal to every member association, every league and every club in solidarity to do what is right and fair. Many of the best players in the world compete in the English and Spanish leagues, and We believe that these countries also share the responsibility to preserve and protect sporting integrity. of competitions around the world, “said the Swiss leader.
Specifically on the decision of the Premier League, Infantino reported that he initiated negotiations with the prime minister, Boris Johnson, to prevent the players from making isolation when they return from competing with their selected teams. In this sense, the FIFA president said that he suggested to Great Britain that “an approach similar to that adopted” by his government be implemented during “the final stages of EURO 2020”. It should be remembered that London hosted the final and the two semi-finals of the tournament that Italy won with an audience at Wembley Stadium.
The Premier League was the first league that refused to release the players called up by their respective teams for the next FIFA date, measure to which the Spanish League later folded.
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