FIFA president makes public plea to Boris Johnson ahead of WCQ

Head of FIFA Gianni Infantino has called on the  British Prime Minister Boris Johnson  to offer his support in persuading Premier League clubs to release their players for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers,  some of which will take place in countries on the UK’s red-list.

Infantino has claimed that all clubs have a responsibility to allow players to travel during next month’s international break despite fears of another outbreak of COVID-19.

English outfits are not the only clubs to make this decision, all teams in La Liga have also said any of their players that are required to make an appearance in a red-listed country will be forbidden from going.

Infantino explained: “We have faced global problems together in the past and must continue to do so in the future. 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.”

He continued to urge the same from England and Spain’s respective footballing associations: “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.

Infantino went on to address England directly, claiming: “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.”

“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.”