FIFA will not fine English teams for selecting South American athletes

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters at the weekend that FIFA will allow players from Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Paraguay who defend English clubs to enter the field this weekend for their teams after those countries agreed to waive restrictions.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City were among the clubs that did not release Brazilian players in this month’s World Cup qualifiers, as athletes will have to travel to countries included in the “red list” for Covid-19.

Sources said this week that Premier League clubs could face FIFA sanctions if they hired South American players this weekend who were not allowed to defend their national teams.

But the source told Reuters that after intense talks over the past 24 hours between FIFA and the concerned federations, an agreement was reached and opened the way for players to play for their teams without risking penalties for clubs.

The source added that FIFA, the FA and the Premier League are working together to find a solution with the UK government over the International Window’s quarantine restrictions in October.