By Tim Parsons-
The Premier League have announced that its clubs will NOT release players for September internationals being played in red-list countries.
The clubs unanimously decided not to release players to hot spot countries this coming season .
The decision will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs, including Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Wolves forward Raul Jimenez.
It comes following clubs attempts to lobby Government officials – as exclusively revealed by Mirror Sport at the weekend – to allow their stars to not have to quarantine upon their respective returns.
The Premier League said “extensive talks” had taken place with the Football Association and government “to find a solution” but that “no exemption had been granted”.
It added that it “strongly supported” the move made by top-flight sides, which “will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries”.
“Premier League clubs have always supported their players’ desires to represent their countries – this is a matter of pride for all concerned,” said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.
“However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely .
Argentina, Brazil and Egypt are among the nations currently on the UK Government’s red list regarding travel to England.
The decision means that several players will miss a World Cup Qualifier hosted by Argentina at the Maracana on September 5.
Eight Premier League players named in the upcoming Brazil squad to miss the qualifier include: Liverpool trio Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino joined by Ederson and Gabriel Jesus (both Manchester City), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Fred (Manchester
Gabriel Jesus will miss qualifier Image:goal.com
A Premier League statement on Tuesday night said: “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 travelers 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.