SAO PAULO: Coaches of South American nationwide groups protested on Saturday towards European golf equipment that pressured their gamers into skipping three rounds of World Cup qualifiers this month.
Brazil’s Tite, Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, Colombia’s Reinaldo Rueda and Chile’s Martin Lasarte need FIFA to resolve the issue earlier than one other three rounds of the 10-team spherical robin scheduled in October.
Several England-based gamers, following recommendation from their golf equipment, didn’t journey on account of COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the British authorities, which has red-listed South America, that means necessary lodge quarantine in the event that they go there and return. Brazil additionally misplaced two Zenit St. Petersburg gamers minutes earlier than boarding a flight to Chile as a result of their membership referred to as them again to Russia.
Argentina, although, didn’t lose any of the 4 it summoned, and Colombia obtained defender Davinson Sanchez.
Tite stated he’s with out 9 English Premier League gamers, together with 5 frequent starters. He was in settlement with one other aggrieved coach, Lasarte. They spoke on Thursday after Brazil beat Chile 1-0 in Santiago. Brazil hosts Argentina on Sunday.
He (Lasarte) advised me it’s absurd what they’re doing to us, we have to have equality to carry all of our gamers,” Tite said. “He said we could count on him for any protest and I said the same. We need to be on the same page. We are not with the same conditions to prepare for the World Cup, and that is a privilege to others. Especially European national teams.
Rueda said the issue needs to be handed with care because national teams should also be cautious with a player’s daily life at his club.
But we have FIFA’s support, he added about national teams having the right to bring players. “Players are speaking to their clubs in Europe. Our hope is that we can end the next fixtures without any inconvenience.”
FIFA granted two further days for South America in September and October so three qualifiers will be performed in every window, somewhat than the standard two. It additionally advised CONMEBOL there will likely be penalties for golf equipment which dont launch gamers as required, which might imply disciplinary motion.
Scaloni needs the problem mentioned as quickly as attainable and supported any sanctions, with out giving names of individuals or organizations.
These rounds are being performed as a result of it was all too fast, however we are able to’t compete like this,” Scaloni said. “I understand the other national teams and give them total support. You can do this for one or two matches. But no more.
Argentina received Aston Villas Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia and Tottenhams Giovanni Lo Celso and Cristian Romero reportedly for just two of the three upcoming qualifiers, but Scaloni denied any such arrangement.
These players could become a last-minute problem for Argentina, also due to COVID-19 protocols.
Brazil’s health agency said in a statement that all four told immigration officers they hadn’t recently been to the United Kingdom or any other country the South American nation puts on a red list for COVID-19 risks.
Travelers who were in the U.K., South Africa, Northern Ireland and India within the latest 14 days, with some exceptions (for example Brazilian nationals) should not enter national territory. They must quarantine previously in another country before entering Brazil, the health agency said. Giving false information to Brazilian authorities could constitute a health infraction and violation of local laws.
Sao Paulo state’s health secretariat said in another statement that local investigators are visiting Argentina’s hotel to check documents.
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