Four Ghanaian players playing in the English Premier League will miss next month’s FIFA World qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa.
This comes in after Premier League clubs earlier today unanimously decided not to release players for international matches to be played in red-list countries next month, a statement on the league’s official website confirmed.
The statement read: “Premier League clubs have today reluctantly but unanimously decided not to release players for international matches played in red-list countries next month.
“The clubs’ decision, which is strongly supported by the Premier League, will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in the September international window.
“This follows FIFA’s current position not to extend its temporary release exception for players required to quarantine on their return from international duty.
“Extensive discussions have taken place with both The FA and the Government to find a solution, but due to ongoing public health concerns relating to incoming travellers from red-list countries, no exemption has been granted.
“If required to quarantine on return from red list countries, not only would players’ welfare and fitness be significantly impacted, but they would also be 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.
“This period takes into consideration 10 days of hotel quarantine on return to England but does not include any additional time that would be required for players to regain match fitness,” the statement ended.
This means that Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Tarique Fosu and Daniel Amartey will miss the game against the Bafana Bafana in Johannesburg as South Africa is amongst red-list countries.
Baba Rahman, who plies is trade with Chelsea is eligible to feature in the qualifiers as he hasn’t been registered by the European Champions for the English Premier league.
Ghana will play Ethiopia on Friday, September 3 at the Cape Coast Stadium, before playing South Africa on Monday, September 6, 2021 in Johannesburg.
