Players to Not Be Released by ECA Members for World Cup Qualifiers

The heavy toll of the ongoing pandemic’s looming threat has forced the ECA and many leagues in compliance with the UK Government. This has affected nearly 60 players and as we draw near to many leagues that could have been a great event to celebrate and be excited about, there’s a lot of debate on whether exemptions could be made or not.

If anything, fans and even football betting fans are extremely eager to get back the same old thrill that these leagues use to deliver. Let’s take a closer look at the latest news about what exactly is going on behind the scenes in this whole debacle.

An overview

Members of the European Club Association (ECA) are ready to implement restrictions for their players from traveling to the red-listed countries starting in September. This is to fully fulfill their international obligations unless a quarantine exception for these players is established.

According to the agreement, there will be a 10-day hotel quarantine in the UK for anyone traveling to red-listed countries, which will result in many Premier League players being missed if they happen to violate these restrictions, which is also the exact same problem with other major leagues having the international holiday in early September.

If you are following a lot of sports betting online news, you’d know that the Premier League and the Football Association are currently in talks with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sports or DCMS about the possibility of exempting players from the pre-established rules concerning the quarantine, but an agreement has not yet been reached.

The impact

Liverpool confirmed that without an agreement to waive the claims, Egypt Mo Salah and the Brazilian trio Fabinho, Alisson, and Firmino will not be released, as they will have to remain under quarantine for at least 10 whole days upon their return.

In addition to Liverpool’s Brazilian trio, Brazil’s next roster includes six more Premier League players: Rafinha. (Leeds United), Gabriel Jesus and Ederson (both from Manchester City), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Richarlison (Everton), Fred (Manchester United).

If no exceptions are to be made and they decide to strictly stand by the rules, it is likely that almost 100 players from British leagues will not be able to join their international teams. Lions will be tax-exempt when returning from South Africa.

Paris Saint-Germain is also a member of the ECA, which means that Messi, Neymar, as well as Marquinhos, and Angel Di Maria may be absent, along with Argentina and Brazil, among the countries included in France’s “red” list. The French government is also imposing a similar travel restriction system for players commuting to other countries.

FIFA announced earlier this year that the end of the exemptions that prevent clubs from releasing players to compete in international competitions, which means that Premier League clubs could face potential penalties if they prevent players from joining their national teams.

EFL follows this approach

Many online betting Singapore sites reported that the FIFA President’s announcement came just minutes after the Football Association announced it was following the Premier League’s decision to prohibit players from traveling to these red-listed countries.

According to the announcement made, the EFL clubs have collectively decided not to release players for the next month’s international matches if they will take place in countries that are on the red list of the UK Government.

In addition, the EFL claims that they fully support the decision of their clubs. They said that their decision is in line with the current position and situation of their Premier League counterparts, specifically those who were amongst the most impacted.

The approach is necessary, completely overwriting exemptions made prior. This is due to a change in FIFA policy that clubs are now required to release players to countries that are on the red list.

According to a Premier League statement, on the other hand, there has been an extensive discussion between the government and the Football Association to meet halfway and find a solution, but due to current health concerns for the visitors, no exemption is completely out of the question.

In some countries, not only the health and fitness of the injured players have been severely affected, but also the inability to prepare and participate in Premier League matches, a third round at the EFL Cup, and one day of UEFA club competition.