Premier League clubs won't release international duty players if they were playing in a country on the UK coronavirus "redlist" to avoid them being quarantined upon their return to England. This was after unanimous votes by all member clubs.
"Extensive talks have been held with both the FA, and the government in order to find a solution. However, due to continuing public health concerns regarding incoming travellers from red-list country, no exemption has ever been granted," said the league in a statement.
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Brazil, Chile and Argentina are all included on the British government's "red" list of countries that can trigger a 10-day quarantine at the hotel upon return.
Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, stated that Premier League clubs had always supported players' desire to represent their country -- it is a matter for pride for everyone. Clubs have come to the difficult but correct conclusion that it would not be unreasonable to let players go in these circumstances.
"Quarantine requirements will impact players' wellbeing and fitness in a significant way." We are aware of the difficulties that the international match calendar presents and we remain open to finding solutions.
On Tuesday, European clubs accused FIFA of abusing its regulatory role in the dispute over the extended release for players for the September qualifiers and October qualifiers.
Premier League teams would be especially affected by FIFA's decision extending a mandatory release period from 9 to 11 days in order to allow tripleheaders to take place in South America. This was also due to strict England quarantine rules.
Liverpool has already refused Mohamed Salah travel to Africa to play in World Cup qualifiers against Egypt next month. He would have to be quarantined upon his return to England.
The clubs have potential to collide with FIFA by qualifying for the World Cup in Africa, Asia and the CONCACAF region.
The European Club Association (ECA), in a Q&A document published by The Times and also seen by Reuters, wrote to members that FIFA had made unilateral decisions and was "against all the objections of ECA and other stakeholders."
It stated that "ECA strongly objected to FIFA's decision" and urged FIFA to reconsider its position.
"ECA won't accept that FIFA, a governing body, abuses its regulatory function to place commercial interests of its member associations over the physical well-being of players or legitimate sporting interests of clubs.
England's quarantine requirements may affect Liverpool's Brazilian trio Roberto Firmino and Alisson Becker, who were called up to play in next month's qualifiers against Chile and Argentina.
According to the ECA, FIFA decided to extend the mandatory release period this month at CONMEBOL's request, "in total disregard for the clubs' interest."
It stated that FIFA would not change its decision, and the ECA would need to decide what actions to take.
FIFA did not immediately comment.
According to the BBC, Premier League and Football Association were discussing with the government a relaxation in Britain's quarantine rules.
This story used information from Reuters.
