ENGLAND’S 2030 World Cup bid may be hurt by banning Prem stars from international duty.
Fifa chief Gianni Infantino has urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to allow the 59 players to travel to World Cup qualifiers in red-list countries.
But we understand the Government is refusing to back down and change the rules to allow them to go.
South American and African countries are appalled by the decision.
The likes of Liverpool pair Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are angry at the ban, too.
The wrangle risks backfiring in the build-up to voting for the 2030 tournament, which England wants to host with Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Africa has 54 votes and South America ten, so they will have a huge say on who gets the World Cup.
A joint Portugal-Spain bid is already likely to win more favour among rival European nations.
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Infantino wants the British government to give footballers a special exemption — like at Euro 2020 and the Copa America in Brazil — to avoid all quarantine rules.
Infantino said: “We have faced global problems together in the past and must continue to do so.
“The release of players in the next international window is of great importance.
“I am calling for a show of solidarity to do what is both right and fair for the global game.
“Many of the best players in the world compete in England and Spain.
“We believe these countries also share the responsibility to protect the integrity of competitions around the world.
“On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England, for players returning from red-list countries, I have written to Boris Johnson and appealed for support.
“In particular, so players are not deprived of representing their countries in qualifying matches for the World Cup.
“I suggested an approach, similar to that from the UK government for the final stages of the Euros, be implemented for upcoming international matches.”
England’s hopes of hosting the World Cup were already harmed by the ugly scenes of ticketless fans gaining entry to Wembley for the Euro 2020 final.
On Monday, Premier League clubs unanimously voted to block players from flying to qualifiers — as they would have to quarantine in a hotel for ten days on their return.
Manchester United’s Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani questioned the call.
EFL chiefs have backed the Prem and will not release players to countries on the red list either.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
