March 4 – English Premier League clubs are reported to have held crisis talks over releasing players for this month’s international break amid concerns that some may be forced to quarantine for 10 days on their return.
Last month FIFA said it was extending until the end of April its relaxation of rules which insist clubs release players during international windows.
According to English press reports clubs held a Zoom call last week to discuss the situation following which defending champions Liverpool have made it clear they will prevent players from heading to Covid ‘red zones’ on international duty.
Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino are among the injury-hit squad who will require a ten-day quarantine period after representing Brazil.
Covid restrictions will also affect Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita if they are called up for Portugal, Senegal and Guinea’s World Cup qualifiers respectively.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says they will resist calls to release players if they then are required to self-isolate.
“We don’t have to let the players go this time and all the clubs agree we cannot let the players just go and sort the situation when they come back with a 10-day quarantine in a hotel,” he said.
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