FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has called on the English Premier League and Spanish LaLiga to release players for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month to “preserve and protect sporting integrity”.
The top flight leagues in England and Spain on Tuesday backed clubs refusing to make players available for World Cup qualifiers in countries where players would have to quarantine on their return, especially in South America.
The Premier League, in a statement said that nearly 60 players were set to travel to 26 countries on Britain’s “red list”, while LaLiga said 25 players from 13 different clubs are affected.
“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,” Infantino said in a statement.
Infantino also disclosed that he had written to UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, for support.
