SPFL back clubs that won’t release players for red-list internationals

The Scottish Professional Football League has pledged to back any clubs that refuse to release players for international matches played in red-list countries next month.

There are currently no exemptions in place for footballers returning to the UK from countries considered high-risk by the Government, meaning they would have to undergo a mandatory 10-day hotel quarantine period.

As a result, anyone called up to play in red-list countries would be unavailable to play in cinch SPFL and European matches on the other side of the upcoming international break.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “It would be unfair and unreasonable for SPFL clubs to have to release players under these circumstances and we wholeheartedly support any clubs who decline to release players.”

The statement from the SPFL comes in the wake of the announcement on Tuesday that English Premier League clubs had “reluctantly but unanimously” decided not to release players for matches in countries on the red list.

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