Uruguay relies on FIFA/CONMEBOL to force clubs to release players for upcoming Qatar 2022 matches

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF) relies on the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and FIFA’s support to enforce the federations’ commitment to making their players available for the Qatar World Cup 2022 qualifying matches in September.

AUF vice president Gaston Tealdi spoke to Efe news agency on Tuesday (24), hours after learning of the English Premier League’s decision not to release players from countries on the coronavirus “red list” for the next three rounds of World Cup qualifiers – a veto that adversely affects CONMEBOL’s 10 member federations.

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Tealdi said AUF continues to follow CONMEBOL’s efforts closely and welcomes FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s letter of support.

The FIFA president’s letter reiterates the obligation to clear players and indicates that those who fail to meet that obligation will face sanctions. “Although health issues are now being raised, the fact is that originally some clubs, especially from Europe, had sporting problems,” Tealdi said.

The AUF vice president also said it was now impossible to reschedule the three playoff dates in September and October.

Following the English league’s decision, which they said was taken “reluctantly” but with “unanimity” and “solid support,” some Uruguayan national team players have spoken out, such as Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani, who published a post on his Instagram account with several question marks.

Tealdi stressed that the AUF is “in constant contact” with the team members who play for different teams in Europe, to assure them that they are working to resolve the situation.

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