Four Ghanaian players plying their trade in the English Premier League are likely to miss Ghana’s next month 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa.
This became known today after Premier League clubs jointly released a statement indicating their decision not to release players for international matches to be played in red-list countries next month.
This means that Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Tarique Fosu and Daniel Amartey will not be available for the game against South Africa in Johannesburg because South Africa is among the red-list countries.
A statement on the league’s official website 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.
Ghana will play Ethiopia on Friday, September 3 at the Cape Coast Stadium, before trekking to play against South Africa on Monday, September 6, 2021.
