Europe’s top clubs want talks with FIFA over concerns about player safety at the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
Countries around the world have introduced new restrictions — including travel bans — since the emergence of the omicron variant.
This could lead to a fresh battle between clubs and nations over whether players should be released for international duty.
The Africa Cup of Nations takes place between January 9 and February 6, while there are also international windows in other confederations starting on January 24 and running until February 1 or 2.
This could be a huge challenge with the global public health situation.
The European Club Association (ECA) board expressed its “deep concerns” about whether players would be safe.
An ECA statement added that this came “particularly in light of the worsening public health situation and the severe challenges faced during recent international windows”.
The statement continued: “The board agreed to engage urgently with FIFA to ensure all necessary precautions are in place to protect players and club interests as the health situation continues to deteriorate in an alarming manner.”
(Photo: Fared Kotb/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
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Has this been an issue before?
There were huge issues around the September international window.
Premier League clubs refused to release their players for duty in red-list countries.
They would have been subject to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days.
Four England-based Argentina internationals – Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buendia, Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero – reported for duty for their country.
Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Paraguay asked FIFA to ban players who refused a call-up but dropped that demand.
This was resolved in October, with players allowed to quarantine at their training grounds if they were fully vaccinated.
Did the ECA say anything else?
Yes. They said opposition to FIFA plans for a biennial World Cup was “unanimous”.
They also discussed the new international match calendars and demanded the “right balance” between club and international demands.
Where can I find out more?
Countries can call up players for the Africa Cup of Nations from December 27 but clubs are hoping for leniency to help them through the festive period.
To find out more, Go Deeper below.