Seasons2021-22Everton News

Premier clubs agree to bar international travel for players from 'red list' countries

Tuesday, 24 August, 2021 4comments  |  Jump to last

Together with the other 19 top-flight clubs and with the support of the Premier League, Everton have opted to prohibit travel during the upcoming international break for players from countries on the United Kingdom's "red list" for risk of Covid-19 infection.

The decision would prevent Richarlison, in particular, from joining up with the Brazil squad for three forthcoming matches in the space of seven days against Chile, Argentina and Peru.

James Rodriguez, who was not called up by Colombia for the Copa America, would also be prevented from travelling should he still be with the Blues after August 31st and be summoned by his country. His compatriot Yerry Mina is also affected by the decision.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Premier League clubs have always supported their players' desires to represent their countries — this is a matter of pride for all concerned. However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances.

The move would afford Richarlison his first break from competitive action since the end of last season after he played 15 times for his country at the Copa America and the Tokyo Olympics.

"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."

 

Reader Comments (4)

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Ian Burns
1 Posted 25/08/2021 at 09:16:13
The only sensible decision to be taken; we simply cannot take wholly unnecessary risks. I hate international breaks and wish such games were confined to the end of the season.
Martin Nicholls
2 Posted 25/08/2021 at 10:04:10
Never mind red list countries. I would hope that Premier League players who have not been double jabbed (according to Steve Bruce, there are many) taking part in Champions League and Europa League games in amber list countries will have to serve the mandatory 10 days self-isolation on their return. That is the rule applying to the rest of us and there should be no exceptions made for selfish and irresponsible footballers.
Dennis Stevens
3 Posted 25/08/2021 at 10:43:57
I wonder if this was under discussion during the summer. If so, it may explain the Club's willingness to allow Richarlison to engage in all his International adventures through the summer. A bit of Give before the impending Take.
Matt Traynor
4 Posted 25/08/2021 at 10:50:34
Our South American correspondent(s) will know more detail, but apparently a lot of these countries have a backlog of World Cup fixtures that were postponed due to Covid, and some quarters are questioning the sense in pushing ahead with the Copa America (which had its own problems in being staged), in a (deferred) Olympic year, when instead they could've made efforts to clear the fixture backlog.

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