Chile, Mexico want sanction for clubs holding players

 

Chile, Mexico and Paraguay have asked FIFA to apply sanctions on Premier League clubs over their refusal to release players for this month’s international matches.

The request means English clubs could be prevented from fielding players after the international window, unless they reach an agreement with national associations.

Premier League clubs announced last week that they had unanimously agreed not to release players for international matches taking place in countries on the UK government’s red list – which includes Chile, Mexico and Paraguay.

Their stance was strongly backed by the league. La Liga says it will also back any of its clubs that make the same decision.

The decision was taken so players will not have to quarantine for 10 days on their return to England.

If they are not, they will be prevented from playing for their clubs during the international window, plus an additional period of five days, unless an exemption is agreed with the relevant national association.

FIFA has contacted Blackburn, Newcastle, Watford and Wolves as well as the Football Association to inform them of the regulations.

Chile have called up Blackburn’s Ben Brereton and Watford’s Francisco Sierralta for their fixtures this month, while Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron has been selected by Paraguay and Wolves’ Raul Jimenez by Mexico.

The four clubs have failed to reach an agreement with the national associations in question over the release of their players, which has led to FIFA being asked to step in.

read alsoAston Villa, Argentina on collision course over World Cup qualifiers

Argentina, Brazil and Egypt are among the other nations currently on the red list.

However, Aston Villa and Tottenham broke ranks with other Premier League clubs to allow their players called up by Argentina to travel for their country’s fixtures.