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Xtra Time Web Desk: Premier League clubs has decided not to release its players for FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month. It will be a direct conflict to FIFA directives as the world football governing body has made it clear to all the clubs across the world to release its players for the World Cup qualifiers.

The main reason for the Premier League clubs deciding against releasing its players is the COVID-19 situation around the world. As many as 26 countries are listed on the UK’s red list. So any player coming back from these countries will have to undergo 10 days mandatory quarantine upon return to UK.

The problem started with Liverpool unwilling to release its Egyptian star Mohamed Salah. Egypt are set to play Angola in a knockout tie before the Qatar 2022 World Cup on September 2. But the North African nation is on the red list of UK. If Salah is released he will not be able to play in their next league game against Leeds. The football federation of Egypt has said they will report Liverpool to FIFA should they not loan their number 11.

The South American teams may too suffer the same problem. As many as 60 footballers from 19 Premier League clubs hail from the red listed countries.

If Liverpool withhold Salah, they are also likely to withhold Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Firmino. Manchester City's Ederson, Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus could also be at risk of not being allowed to represent Brazil.

Copa America 2021 winners Argentina could also be without Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buendia, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso.