Every Premier League club will refuse to release their players for international games in red list countries in September.
This is thought to impact between 50 and 60 players at a vast majority of teams in the top flight.
The Athletic revealed that players would not be released on Tuesday, with the Premier League confirming the news in a story later that evening.
A statement read: “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 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 added: “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.”
The issue has arisen because there is no elite sporting exemption for quarantining after visiting a red list country in the United Kingdom. Players would therefore have to undergo a 10-day quarantine in a managed hotel.
This would mean that those players who get called up will miss, at the least, the first weekend of action after the international break — games take place on September 11 and 12.
The window for international fixtures in South America being extended until September 9 means there is also a chance some players would be stuck in quarantine until after the weekend of September 18 and 19.
The Athletic reported on Monday that Liverpool were not willing to release Mohamed Salah for Egypt’s home game, as the country is currently on the red list.
There are 60 countries on the UK’s red list and this decision potentially impacts nations like Brazil, Argentina and Zambia.
