On August 28, 2021, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp reacted to the situation surrounding his Brazilian players, who were ruled ineligible to play against Leeds United in the Premier League due to FIFA's rules.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had triggered an automatic restriction period of five days, which prevents clubs from picking players who have not been released for international duty. Liverpool refused to release their Brazilian players, citing the need for them to quarantine for 10 days upon their return to England.
"It's a really difficult situation and it's really tricky for all the clubs and players... We should not forget that the players wanted to play these games. The clubs wanted to let players go but it was just not possible," Klopp told reporters on Friday.
He added that the real punishment was for the players, who were being denied the opportunity to play the game they love. "The football players so far get exemptions which haven't led to any spread in cities because of all the things we do during the week. It's completely different to society out there. We get tested three times a week," Klopp said.
Forward Roberto Firmino is unavailable for Liverpool's trip to Leeds, while goalkeeper Alisson Becker and midfielder Fabinho are ineligible due to FIFA's rules. The situation has sparked debate over the rules and their impact on players and clubs.
