Premier League players return from international duty

You would be mistaken for thinking that the above headline was a simple story. General information about how the likes of Harry Kane and other premier league stars went away to represent their countries and were coming back. Being realistic, you may expect the odd bit of bad news about someone who picked up an injury, but that would normally be as exciting as it gets.

Well, as we’ve all experienced since the coronavirus pandemic hit over a year ago, nothing seems to go according to plan now. And this international break has thrown up some massive problems, which could affect players who didn’t even end up playing any games during the international break. But where do we begin?

It all started with Brazil vs Argentina

As the whistle blew to kick off Brazil vs Argentina in a World Cup Qualifier game on Sunday, no one could have expected what would happen moments later. Health officials from Brazil ran on to the pitch and shut it down due to alleged coronavirus breaches from some of Argentina’s England-based players. Those involved included Spur’s Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, as well as Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia and Emi Martinez.

Many clubs had refused to let players go and represent their home nations this window, if they were travelling to areas highlighted as red on the UK’s travel list. So the fact the Argentina players went, may well have been against club wishes, and so it is likely that the likes of Romero and Lo Celso will be fined by their club. But it turns out the nations themselves are being punished too, as they didn’t make sure the players were isolated after having arrived and for abandoning the game.

FIFA said in a statement; “Following the analysis of the official match reports related to the World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina, FIFA can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened involving both member associations.”

It could also mean that these players rejoining their clubs will now have to self-isolate on their return. Meaning they could miss the next round of fixtures as they sit at home, unable to train with their teammates. And with key players missing, it could impact sports betting odds this weekend as teams have to adjust their lineups and potentially field weaker sides.

Then Brazil caused more of an upset

As if it wasn’t bad enough for Brazil already, they and a number of other South American countries consisting of Mexico, Paraguay and Chile, have appealed to FIFA to have their players banned from playing in the premier league. Not forever, it would only be a five-game ban, but would mean top sides like Liverpool will be without Allison, Fabinho and Firmino for this weekend’s game.

And others are impacted even further, with players like Fred potentially being banned which will not only affect Man United in the premier league, but the champions league as well. Let’s be honest though, missing Fred is probably more of a benefit to that United midfield. But still, this all comes about because these players, unlike the Argentineans who turned up for National duties, complied with the FA who stated players shouldn’t travel abroad if going to areas designated red on the UK Travel List.

Preventing these players going was in the efforts of safety for them, their colleagues, and their loved ones. To help prevent the spread of this virus that still plagues us 16 months after we first entered lockdown. But these international members of FIFA, would rather risk the lives of these players so they can win a game of football, and when they don’t get their way, spit their dummy out and run to FIFA to impose sanctions.

Now, if the game hadn’t been abandoned against Argentina, they may have had a point as to why they needed them. But since the game was postponed, it now seems like the Brazilian FA are just being petty about being punished themselves. And want to take it out on these clubs. Because if they did attend, they would’ve been breaching the same regulations the Argintinean players had and so wouldn’t have been eligible anyway.

Military coup cancels game

And if all that superficial drama wasn’t already enough, there were also issues in Guinea, as a military coup announced they had overthrown the Government. At the same time, Guinea were preparing to play Morocco in their World Cup qualifier, but due to the issues regarding safety, the match was called off. The Moroccan team managed to evacuate the country safely, following gunshots heard near the team’s hotel.

Whereby for some time, the situation with the Guinean national team was unknown. But it is now confirmed that all players, including the premier league’s Naby Keita of Liverpool, were indeed safe. Whether that has an impact on players returning to the premier league won’t be known until the last minutes, but with everyone safe and sound, and nobody calling for players to be pointlessly banned, they should be fine to run out for their clubs this weekend.