Leeds United among Premier League clubs to 'unanimously' agree not to release international players - YEP 24/8/21
Leeds United have joined the rest of the Premier League in agreeing 'unanimously' not to release players for international fixtures played in red-list countries next month.
By Joe Urquhart
Five of Marcelo Bielsa's squad have been called up for their
nations so far ahead of the first international break of the campaign in early
September.
Whites captain Liam Cooper will head away with Scotland
while Stuart Dallas (Northern Ireland) and Tyler Roberts (Wales) have also been
called up.
Issues have arisen, though, for Leeds wingers Raphinha and
Helder Costa with Brazil and Angola remaining on the UK's red list amid Covid
restrictions.
Raphinha earned a first call-up for the Seleção earlier this
month while Costa has switched allegiance from Portugal to Angola.
United have today joined the rest of the top flight in
saying they will not release any players who are due to play in countries
deemed unsafe for international travel.
"Premier League clubs have today reluctantly but
unanimously decided not to release players for international matches played in
red-list countries next month," a statement read.
"The clubs' decision, which is strongly supported by
the Premier League, will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League
clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in the September
international window.
"This follows FIFA’s current position not to extend its
temporary release exception for players required to quarantine on their return
from international duty.
"Extensive discussions have taken place with both The
FA and the Government to find a solution, but due to ongoing public health
concerns relating to incoming travellers from red-list countries, no exemption
has been granted.
"If required to quarantine on return from red list
countries, not only would players’ welfare and fitness be significantly
impacted, but they would also be unavailable to prepare for and play in two
Premier League match rounds, a UEFA club competition matchday and the third
round of the EFL Cup.
"This period takes into consideration 10 days of hotel
quarantine on return to England but does not include any additional time that
would be required for players to regain match fitness."
"Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said:
'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.
'Quarantine requirements mean that players’ welfare and
fitness will be significantly impacted. We understand the challenges that exist
in the international match calendar and remain open to workable solutions.'
"Clubs also discussed their dissatisfaction with FIFA’s
decision to extend CONMEBOL’s international window by two days in September and
October from nine to 11 days.
"This places additional international obligations on
players from that region, to the detriment of their availability to represent
their clubs.
"FIFA was urged to work with all stakeholders to ensure
an agreeable conclusion can be reached on the issue."
