Liverpool have questioned FIFA’s decision to ban them from fielding three Brazilian players in this weekend’s Premier League match. The decision was deemed not to have a strong reason.
Liverpool, along with Chelsea, Leeds United, Manchester United and Manchester City, were banned by FIFA from using their Brazilian players for 5 days from September 10-14, after refusing to let them play for the national team in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.
Of the five clubs, a total of eight players have been suspended. This decision was debated, because the club took such a step based on the COVID-19 pandemic situation in South America which was considered still vulnerable by the British government.
Moreover, the players have to undergo a 2-week quarantine if they come from the area, and this is detrimental to the club who could lose their services in at least two matches.
Liverpool, who will face Leeds on Sunday (12/9), can be said to be a team that is quite affected. Because their three Brazilian players, namely Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino, and Fabinho are core players in Juergen Klopp’s squad.
Sky Sports reports the Reds believe that based on current conditions, FIFA has no strong argument against them to field the Brazilian trio above. Four other clubs also think so.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool and the other four clubs dare to field their Samba Country players, because FIFA rules state that if the penalty is ignored, the club faces further penalties, ranging from fines to being declared 0-3 defeat.
In addition to the five clubs above, there are Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Watford, and Blackburn Rovers who are subject to similar penalties for refusing to release their players to the national team.
Wolves were banned from starting Raul Jimenez (Mexico), Watford were banned from playing Francisco Sierralta (Chile), Blackburn were banned from playing Ben Brereton, and Newcastle were banned from playing Miguel Almiron (Paraguay).
(adp/ran)
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