Premier League clubs will not release players for international games in red-list countries

The Premier League says its clubs have "reluctantly but unanimously" decided not to release players for matches in red-list countries during September's international break.

Under current UK government rules, players would be forced to miss several games because of the 10-day isolation period required on return to the UK.

The Premier League said "extensive talks" had taken place with the Football Association and government "to find a solution" but that "no exemption had been granted".

It added that it 
"strongly supported" the move made 
by top-flight sides, 
which "will apply to nearly 60 players 
from 19 clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries".

"Premier League clubs have always supported their players' desires to represent their countries - this is a matter of pride for all concerned," said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.

"However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances.

"Quarantine requirements mean that players' welfare and fitness will be significantly impacted. We understand the challenges that exist in the international match calendar and remain open to workable solutions."

The decision, the Premier League said, "follows Fifa's current position not to extend its temporary release exception for players required to quarantine on their return from international duty".

A statement also detailed that a period of quarantine would mean players being "unavailable to prepare for and play in two Premier League match rounds, a Uefa club competition matchday and the third round of the EFL Cup".

Fifa also recently extended the September and October international windows by two days in South America to enable countries to catch up on World Cup qualifiers that were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

World football's governing body said the two-day extension ensured "sufficient rest and preparation time between matches".

It means matches can now be played on Thursday, 9 September and Thursday, 14 October, with players involved being released for 11 days.

At a meeting of Premier League clubs, they also "discussed their dissatisfaction" with this move, which "places additional international obligations on players from that region, to the detriment of their availability to represent their clubs".
Christian Eriksen: Uefa honour Kjaer and medical team with President's Award for saving Denmark midfielder's life
Last updated on3 hours ago3 hours ago.
From the sectionEuropean Championship
Denmark captain Simon Kjaer led his team-mates in forming a ring around Eriksen as he received medical attention
Denmark captain Simon Kjaer led his team-mates in forming a ring around Eriksen as he received medical attention
Denmark captain Simon Kjaer and the medical team that saved Christian Eriksen's life are the recipients of this year's Uefa President's Award.

Eriksen, 29, suffered cardiac arrest during Denmark's Euro 2020 defeat by Finland in Copenhagen on 12 June.

Kjaer has been recognised for showing "exceptional leadership qualities" in his response to the situation.

Thanking the medical team, Inter Milan player Eriksen said: "You did a fantastic job and saved my life."

"Also a big thanks to my friend and captain Simon and my team-mates in the Danish team for your support, both on 12 June and afterwards.

"Thanks to all the fans who have sent messages to me and my family. It means a lot and has given us strength and support. Thank you."

Former Tottenham player Eriksen collapsed shortly before half-time against Finland and needed to be treated with a defibrillator as he was resuscitated by medics.

He was fitted with an ICD - implantable cardioverter defibrillator - and is now recovering.

'The team reacted as a unit' - Kjaer
Kjaer was commended for his "admirable response" to the situation.

The AC Milan defender, 32, put Eriksen in the recovery position, started the initial CPR procedure before leading the Danish players in forming a ring around Eriksen as he received medical attention and comforted Eriksen's partner.

"It's something that will stay with us for the rest of our lives," said Kjaer.

"The team reacted as a unit…as a team, we made the maximum effort to stick together and try to get through that situation and be as helpful as possible.

"I try to lead the team on and off the pitch, in every aspect of life, as footballers, when we're together. I think it's one of the biggest privileges I have in my career.

"I've known Christian for many years. He has a great family, he has a lot of friends, a lot of team-mates that want the best for him. As long as he's happy and his family is good, I'm happy."

The medical team responded quickly and resuscitated Eriksen with CPR and a defibrillator before he was stretchered off and taken to hospital.

"We rushed to the field to help [Christian] and to do our job," said Mogens Kreutzfeldt, chief medical officer for Euro 2020 in Copenhagen.

"We did what we should, what we were taught, what we were trained to do.

"Everybody knew their role, everybody knew what to do. We were not emotional at the scene. Afterwards, we were, of course, like everybody. We're very happy and proud of the outcome."

"This year, the President's Award transcends football," said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.

"It serves as an important and eternal reminder of just how precious life is and puts everything in our lives into the clearest perspective.

"I would also like to send my very best wishes to Christian Eriksen and his family as he continues his recovery."

Recipients of the 2021 Uefa President's Award:
On-site medical team

Mogens Kreutzfeldt (chief medical officer)

Frederik Flensted (stadium medical manager)

Anders Boesen (pitchside emergency doctor)

Peder Ersgaard (paramedic)

Uefa Venue medical officers

Jens Kleinefeld

Valentin Velikov

Danish national medical team

Morten Skjoldager (physio accompanying the team doctor)

Morten Boesen (team doctor)

Simon Kjaer (Denmark national team captain)