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Gianni Infantino to Boris Johnson: Let my people go!

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged the British Prime Minister to grant a quarantine exempt...



Gianni Infantino to Boris John...
Soccer

Gianni Infantino to Boris Johnson: Let my people go!

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged the British Prime Minister to grant a quarantine exemption for international footballers next month.

Earlier this week, Premier League clubs said "reluctantly but unanimously" they would not be releasing players to travel to countries on the UK's 'red' travel list.

Any player who does travel to such a country would be required to isolate for 10 days upon their return.

The situation is said to affect nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs, who were due to travel to 26 different 'red list' countries.

But ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers, Infantino has made a special plea to Downing Street.

"On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England," he said, "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.

"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."

La Liga in Spain has also said it will back any clubs who decide not to release players for the upcoming international window.

Infantino responded by saying, "The release of players in the upcoming international windows is a matter of great urgency and importance.

"I am grateful for the support and cooperation from many stakeholders in the game during this challenging period. I am calling on a show of solidarity from every member association, every league, and every club, to do what is both right and fair for the global game.

"Many of the best players in the world compete in leagues in England and Spain, and we believe these countries also share the responsibility to preserve and protect the sporting integrity of competitions around the world.

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Boris Johnson Coronavirus Covid-19 FIFA Gianni Infantino Premier League