Premier League and La Liga issued statenent few days ago that they will not release players for South American World cup qualifiers taking place in red-listed Covid affected countries and also due to the reason that FIFA and CONMEBOL approved additional matchday affecting the clubs. While PL still sticking to their decision of not releasing players, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected LaLiga’s appeal against FIFA and La Liga now must release South American players for World Cup qualifiers. FIFA has also welcomed the decision of CAS.
Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buendia, Cristain Romero and Giovani Lo Celso defying the Premier Legue Restrictions to fly to Madrid then to Caracas to join Argentina national team. On the other hand, the other South American players did not unite as they never did against PL ruling and have decided to follow the suit to remain with their PL clubs during the international break.
More controversies have emerged as Aston Villa issued official statement saying Buendia and Emi Martinez will only take part in 1st two World Cup qualifiers and will return to their club without taking part in the 3rd World Cup Qualifier against Bolivia. However, AFA has denied it and confirmed that no player will return from Argentina camp before conclusion of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Argentina now have 21 players available among the 30 players summoned by Scaloni for the upcoming World cup qualifiers. It would be interesting to see if the Serie A, Portugese league remain adamant to their decision and whether Scaloni calls up some back up for the players lost.
ARG Soccer News 