By ZBC Reporter
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has asked UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson for exemptions so Premier League clubs will release players for World Cup qualifiers in red-list countries. If the request is granted, Zimbabwe’s British contingent called up for the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Ethiopia might have a chance to come and play for the Warriors.
Clubs in England and Spain say they will not release their players for matches in red-list countries.
“I have suggested an approach similar to the final stages of Euro 2020 be implemented,” said Infantino adding it was a “matter of great urgency and importance”.
Under UK government rules, players would miss several games because of the 10-day isolation period that is required on their return to the UK.
The Premier League said its clubs “reluctantly but unanimously” came to the decision not to release players, adding that “extensive talks” had taken place with the Football Association and government “to find a solution” but that “no exemption had been granted”.
The English Football League has also backed the Premier League’s stance and will not allow its players to travel to countries on the red list.
Zimbabwe have Marvelous Nakamba playing in the English premiership while Jordan Zemura, Tendai Darikwa, Brendon Galloway and Admiral Muskwe are in the English lower leagues. David Moyo plays in the Scottish Premiership while Tino Kadewere and Marshall Munetsi are in the French Ligue 1.
The Warriors open their World Cup qualifier voyage with a match against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on the 3rd of September at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
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