Players called up by Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Paraguay during the international break are eligible to play in the Premier League this weekend, according to FIFA.
Players from Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City were not released for the current international break because they would have been traveling to nations on the UK’s COVID-19 red list. Their home countries had the right to initiate the ban, but after discussions, FIFA agreed to waive the restriction.
Thiago Silva of Chelsea, Raphinha of Leeds United, Alisson, Fabinho, and Roberto Firmino of Liverpool, Ederson and Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City, and Fred of Manchester United would all miss out on the Premier League.
Following a request from the Brazilian Football Confederation, FIFA used Article 5 to prevent Premier League teams from picking players who had refused to be released for the latest round of international fixtures (CBF).
Last month, Premier League teams unanimously agreed not to release players for international games in countries on the UK Government’s red list.
FIFA made the decision based on encouraging signals and constructive conversation obtained from the UK government in the run-up to the international match window in October, according to a statement from the game’s governing organization.
FIFA, the Football Association, and the Premier League issued a letter to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, requesting that the problem be resolved.
FIFA’s statement stated that “The UK government is now open to find a reasonable solution with the three organizations, who are working closely together in a spirit of mutual understanding, in the interests of everyone.”
Following discussions with FIFA, the FA, and the Premier League, the associations of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Paraguay decided to waive the compulsory five-day ban they could have imposed.
The agreement was made late Friday night, just over 12 hours before the weekend’s games began, according to sources.
