A host of Premier League players could find themselves in a club v country row next month.
Top-flight sides will be able to stop stars travelling to represent national teams after FIFA extended a rule related to player release.
Clubs are usually bound by FIFA regulations to release players but the governing body have relaxed their position in some circumstances due to the pandemic.
One such instance is when quarantine of five or more days is mandatory for the player on their return from international duty.
That exemption will now be in place until the end of April, putting clubs on a collision course with international federations as they will not be obliged to release players.
Anyone arriving in the UK from a country on the red list, which includes Portugal, all nations in South America and parts of Africa, is required to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days. Elite sports stars are not exempt.
A number of Premier League clubs could be affected, though there is a hope federations may leave out players who would face issues on their return to England.
Portugal's squad could include Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City's Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo, Wolves' Rui Patricio, Nelson Semedo, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves and Pedro Neto plus Liverpool's Diogo Jota.
EberechiEZ
505
Bruno has chosen his club.When Manchester United played wolves he could have chosen his country.
ManUtdAmadDialo
459
U should instead say; Portugal's squad could include Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City's Ruben Dias n Joao Cancelo, N Wolves' whole squad
ishti
309
If it's Club Vs Country then Wolves will be at war with Juventus for the services of Cristiano Ronaldo.