Liverpool believes FIFA does not have the right to prohibit Premier League clubs from choosing South American players who were denied permission to travel on international duty this weekend.
It was revealed Wednesday that FIFA invoked Article 5 in an attempt to stop Premier League clubs from choosing Brazilian players they had refused to release for their latest round of international fixtures.
FIFA used Article 5 to enforce the September 10-14 restriction period at the request from the Brazilian Football Association. This would mean that the players would miss Tuesday's Champions League matches and the Premier League fixtures this weekend.
Image: Liverpool believes that FIFA does not have the right to prohibit Premier League clubs selecting South American players
Liverpool would be the worst affected by these restrictions, with Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson all unavailable for the trip to Leeds on Super Sunday. Raphinha would also not be able to play.
Sky Sports News reports that Liverpool believes that FIFA does not have the right to prevent the clubs from selecting their players this weekend due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the quarantine measures they would have to take upon returning to the UK, and other circumstances.
Sky Sports News was informed by the majority of affected clubs that FIFA does not have the basis to ban players.
Image: Thiago Silva could be absent from two Chelsea games
FIFA Article 22 of the Disciplinary Code states that sanctions may be applied if the restrictions are not followed. However, it is uncertain what will happen if Leeds or Liverpool, who meet at Elland Road, ignore any FIFA ruling.
Brazilian players were not allowed to play in the World Cup qualifiers against Argentina or Peru.
This would also mean that Thiago and Fred Silva would not be eligible for Manchester United's visit at Young Boys, and Chelsea's match with Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday in the Champions League.
For a better video player, please use Chrome browser. Xisco Munoz, Watford's head coach, said that the club is working towards a solution after Chile requested FIFA to remove Francisco Sierralta from their team. Watford did not release him for the recent World Cup qualifiers in Chile.
It is understood that the Premier League continues to engage in dialogue with relevant bodies regarding the matter.
Sky Sports News reached out to FIFA for clarification.
Sky Sports News reported last week that Paraguay, Chile and Mexico had asked FIFA to extend the restriction period on Ben Brereton, Blackburn, and Chile Francisco Sierralta, Watford, and Chile.
'Health comes before football'
Brazil manager Tite was overcome by emotion after the Argentina-Brazil match was suspended last weekend. He spoke to the press on Thursday about the possibility of replaying it.
Tite stated, "The right decision was to abide by law." Tite stated, "The right decision is to put first the health and well-being of the people. Yes, I would love to play the game. However, before we can play the game, it is important to respect the laws and the healthcare legal framework.
"Soccer should not be considered above all else. Respect for lives is essential. Human lives are being discussed. I know the criteria that will determine what is most important and what is not. It is important to get our health back as quickly as possible so that people can return to the stadiums and work.
"Once people have a vaccination, they can have their jobs back as well as their dignity back. It is not a way to do things. When is it going to happen? It will not happen at a certain time. That is beyond my control. I don't have the knowledge or ability to determine when and what it was.
"I can't play, and I must not play?" It is impossible for me to do it. But, are you above the law? It's not possible. Respect others. Respect the country, the institution and the people. Respect for a team, a club. Respect and tranquility.
Saturday, September 11, 2011
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham - kick-off 12.30pm
Arsenal vs Norwich – kick-off 3pm
Brentford vs Brighton - kick-off 3pm
Kick-off at 3pm: Leicester vs Man City
Man Utd vs Newcastle - kick-off 3pm
Kick-off at 3:00pm for Southampton vs West Ham
Watford vs Wolves - kick-off 3pm
Chelsea vs Aston Villa, kick-off 5.30pm, live via Sky Sports Premier League
Image: Enjoy free highlights of Cristiano Ronaldo's Man Utd return at 5.15pm on Sky Sports
Sunday, September 12:
Liverpool vs Leeds - Kick off at 4.30pm. Live on Sky Sports Premier League
Monday, September 13:
Everton vs Burnley, kick-off at 8pm, live on Sky Sports Premier League
