The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has written to the the British government to urgently provide the required exemptions to enable African players to compete for their countries in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers.
CAF’s appeal comes a day after English Football Association announced Premier League clubs have “reluctantly but unanimously” agreed against releasing players for September’s round of internationals if they would be playing in red-list countries.
“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,” the FA statement further explained.
“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.”
Consequently, Caf in a statement said that it has taken note of the current circumstances in Britain regarding the lack of sporting exemptions for players returning from several African countries after the international window next week.
It has, on behalf of all African Member Associations, African players and fans noted that similar exemptions were granted by the British government to enable the attendance of delegations and officials, amongst others, at the finals of the European Championship held less than two months ago.
Also CAF further notes that the circumstances in the African countries on the red list in many cases are in fact less severe than other countries not currently on this list or for which exemptions were previously provided.
Furthermore, CAF would like to reiterate that the upcoming matches will be delivered under the strict protocols developed by FIFA and applied across the world, as was the case in previous windows and continental tournaments successfully delivered without any incidents.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has also appealed to the United Kingdom government to reconsider its stance on mandatory quarantine for international players from coronavirus red-listed countries.
“On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England, for players returning from red-list countries, I have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and appealed for the necessary support, in particular, so players are not deprived of the opportunity of representing their countries in qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup, which is one of the ultimate honours for a professional footballer,” Infantino said in a statement on Wednesday.
“I have suggested that an approach similar to that adopted by the UK government for the final stages of the Euro 2020 be implemented for the upcoming international matches.”
The Premier League’s decision affects nearly 60 players from 19 clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries.
