Release of internationals: CAF requests quarantine exemption for African players returning to the UK

"CAF requests the British Government to grant an exemption to African players for the international window (September 2021)," announced the Confederation of African Football on 25/08/2021.

The body is reacting to a Premier League statement issued on 24/08/2021, which announced that all 20 English clubs have unanimously decided not to release their international players in the next international window if it involves travel to any of the countries red-listed by the UK due to the Covid-19 health situation. Indeed, any visitor to any of these countries - including Brazil, Egypt, Uruguay and Argentina - must undergo a 10-day quarantine on their return to England, which would inevitably result in the players concerned missing several matches at their respective clubs.

"I have written to (British) 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," said Gianni…