Premier League tells clubs not to release Denmark, Sweden and Iceland stars for national duty due to new travel ban
THE Premier League has told clubs not to release Denmark, Sweden and Iceland internationals for the three country’s upcoming fixtures.
And the action – sparked by the Government’s new hardline travel ban on non-UK visitors coming from Denmark – has made England’s Nations League match against Iceland at Wembley on November 18 a major doubt, as Sun Sport exclusively revealed.
In an email to clubs on Saturday night, the Premier League pointed out that if stars do travel to the Scandinavian countries they will have to quarantine for 14 days on their return to the UK.
The advisory email pointed out there will be no exemptions to the rule.
And it stressed FIFA had amended their rules in early October, telling clubs they did not have to release stars if they were going to play in a country which required a quarantine of at least five days after their return.
The tough new restrictions relate to concerns over a new coronavirus strain that has spread from mink to humans.
Iceland are set to play Denmark in Copenhagen three days before facing England. “Unlike other travel to the UK, there will be no exemptions to this quarantine policy,” new guidance states.
Since June, elite sportspeople have been exempt from coronavirus-related travel restrictions.
The latest rules will be reviewed after a week, the Department For Transport said.
European football governing body UEFA’s coronavirus protocols state that international matches allow for a game to be rescheduled at a date fixed by Uefa, or to be played in a neutral venue if necessary.
It is understood rescheduling is not an option.
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Under the new rules, UK citizens and visa holders can return from Denmark – but will have to isolate along with all members of their household for 14 days.
That means Danish Premier League stars will have to isolate for 14 days upon their return if they travel to the country for international duty.
That would affect Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, Everton’s keeper Jonas Lossl, Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard and Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who are all in the squad.
It would also affect Sweden’s British-based players who are set to play Denmark in a friendly on Wednesday including Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof, Newcastle full-back Emile Krafth and Everton goalkeeper Robin Olsen.
It is believed the Scandinavian stars can still argue they want to play for their countries and then isolate afterwards, but the prospects of that happening look slim.
Liverpool are also due to play away at Danish side FC Midtjylland on December 9 in the Champions League.