PREM CLUBS THREATEN AFCON BOYCOTT
Premier League clubs are threatening to boycott the Africa Cup of Nations – with the tournament on the brink of collapse.
AFCON is due to take place between January 9 and February 6 in Cameroon leaving the majority of the top flight without key stars for over a month.
But the current Covid-19 situation – including the recent spread of the Omicron variant – has left the competition in tatters, in danger of being postponed for a THIRD time.
The European Club Association has written to the Confederation of African Football and Fifa over their concerns for player safety following a recent board meeting.
They have also suggested teams could REFUSE to release their players if certain principles were not seen to be followed.
The letter read: “The pandemic and its associated implications raised three fundamental concerns for clubs when it comes to the release of players to national teams.
“First and foremost, the clubs’ duty to ensure each and every player’s wellbeing is properly protected. Second, that clubs are not forced to be without players for club competition matches.
“Third, that all players resume their activities with their clubs following national duty in a timely fashion, as per the applicable rules.”