International duty controversy
According to an official statement just before the international break, the clubs jointly announced:
Premier League clubs have today reluctantly but unanimously decided not to release players for international matches played in red-list countries next month.
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 was due to the issues coming back to the UK from these countries, which involves isolating for ten days in a government-approved hotel, which would make players lose both match fitness and miss out on key fixtures.
However, this was unacceptable to FIFA, who attempted to invoke a rule banning players who refused international duty from playing for their clubs for five days, which would have affected the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Issues ironed out
However, after long communications between the two bodies, it appears as though a solution has been reached, and that the players will not be hit with sanctions.
Speaking in an official statement, FIFA announced:
Based on positive signals and constructive dialogue FIFA has received from the UK government towards the international match window in October, recognising that players have no control over the extreme situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and sanitary restrictions currently imposed and, as a sign of good faith, goodwill and cooperation, the member associations of Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Paraguay, in close consultation with FIFA, have taken the decision to withdraw their complaints in relation to the England-based players, and players bound to play in England, who were not released for the recent international matches.
This means that Alisson, Ederson, Raphinha and co. will all be back in action over the weekend, to the relief of millions around the world.