How FIFAs AFCON Ruling Could Reshape Premier League Title Race

A ruling from FIFA has clarified regulations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament, affecting several European football clubs. The decision addresses player release obligations when international duty conflicts with public health restrictions.

Main News

FIFA has confirmed that clubs are not required to release players for international matches if they would face a quarantine period of five days or more upon arrival or return from duty. This applies to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for early 2021.

The ruling directly impacts English clubs Liverpool and Manchester United. Players traveling to countries on the UK’s ‘red list’ would be subject to a 10-day hotel quarantine upon return to England.

Liverpool could retain Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Sadio Mané (Senegal), and Naby Keita (Guinea). Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, who plays for Ivory Coast, is also affected. All these players’ national teams are currently scheduled to participate in AFCON.

Summary

FIFA’s new ruling allows clubs to refuse the release of players for international duty if quarantine restrictions exceed five days. This decision is particularly relevant for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The UK’s current travel rules impose a 10-day mandatory hotel quarantine for arrivals from ‘red list’ countries. Many nations participating in AFCON are on this list.

As a result, Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United can legally prevent their players from joining their national teams for the tournament. This avoids players missing additional club matches due to prolonged quarantine periods.

FAQs

**What is the core of FIFA’s new ruling?**
Clubs are not obligated to release players for international matches if the travel would result in a quarantine of five or more days. This rule is designed to address conflicts between international duty and national public health restrictions.

Which players and clubs are most affected?
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Naby Keita, along with Manchester United’s Eric Bailly, are key players affected. Their respective national teams—Egypt, Senegal, Guinea, and Ivory Coast—are in AFCON and are on the UK’s travel ‘red list’.

Does this mean the players will definitely not go to AFCON?
The ruling gives clubs the right to refuse release. Whether the players participate will depend on potential exemptions or changes to quarantine rules, and agreements between clubs, national federations, and the players themselves.