The FIFA International Break will not be the same after the decision made by Premier League teams, who agreed not to loan those footballers who were going to play for countries where the COVID-19 pandemic is still out of control.
The document issued on Tuesday evening reveals that EPL clubs had meetings with the English government to find a solution on this matter, but given that there are concerns relates to incoming travelers from red-listed countries, the country's governing body refused to make an exception for these players.
The decision was made considering that, if the player(s) were required to quarantine after returning from a red list country, their welfare and fitness would be significantly impacted. Moreover, they would not be available to prepare for and play up to four matches, that is if the club in question is required to play in the EFL Cup or a UEFA-sanctioned competition.
"Premier League clubs have always supported their players' desires to represent their countries. This is a matter of pride for all concerned. However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances," Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive stated.
This decision will force 60 players from 19 EPL teams to stay in England rather than making the trip home to represent their countries of origin.
The list of players that will not be allowed to play for their countries includes Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Raúl Jiménez (Mexico), Richarlison, Gabriel Jesús, and Ederson (Brazil), to name a few.
One of the countries that will be hit the hardest by this ruling will be Jamaica, which will see up to nine players missing out on the chance to play for the Reggae Boyz.
The decision comes after English clubs protested against FIFA for their decision to extend international breaks all over the world to make way for more qualifying matches in a short period of time. This decision came mainly because of the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of international matches. A response by FIFA execs is expected on this matter before the end of the week.
