2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier: Ayew & four others ruled out of Ghana-South Africa clash

Ghana’s Black Stars will miss the services of four key players of the squad selected for next month’s all-important 2022 FIFA World qualifiers fixture against South Africa.

They are Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp of Crystal Palace, Tariqe Fosu-Henry who plays Brentford, Leicester City’s Daniel Amartey and Andy Yiadom who plays for the Championship side Reading FC.

Coach Akonnor will, however, have the quintet available for the qualifiers opener against Ethiopia in Ghana since the country is on the United Kingdom’s amber list, but not for the team’s trip to South Africa who are red-listed.

Meanwhile, Baba Rahman, who is based in England, is likely to play both matches because a move from Chelsea is imminent.

This follows a decision from the English Premier League clubs not to release players for international matches that will be held in ‘red list’ countries next month.

Under UK’s Covid regulations, travellers from ‘red list’ countries are obliged to quarantine upon their return to the UK, which for players would mean missing matches.

The Premier League released a statement explaining their decision on Monday afternoon, saying: “Premier League clubs have today reluctantly but unanimously decided not to release players for international matches played in red-list countries next month.

“The clubs’ decision, which is strongly supported by the Premier League, will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in the September international window.

“This follows FIFA’s current position not to extend its temporary release exception for players required to quarantine on their return from international duty.

Extensive discussions have taken place with both The FA and the Government to find a solution, but due to ongoing public health concerns relating to incoming travellers from red-list countries, no exemption has been granted.

“If required to quarantine on return from red list countries, not only would players’ welfare and fitness be significantly impacted, but they would also be unavailable to prepare for and play in two Premier League match rounds, a UEFA club competition matchday and the third round of the EFL Cup.

“This period takes into consideration 10 days of hotel quarantine on return to England but does not include any additional time that would be required for players to regain match fitness.

“Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: ‘Premier League clubs have always supported their players’ desires to represent their countries – this is a matter of pride for all concerned. However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances.

“Quarantine requirements mean that players’ welfare and fitness will be significantly impacted. We understand the challenges that exist in the international match calendar and remain open to workable solutions.’

“Clubs also discussed their dissatisfaction with FIFA’s decision to extend CONMEBOL’s international window by two days in September and October from nine to 11 days.

“This places additional international obligations on players from that region, to the detriment of their availability to represent their clubs.

“FIFA was urged to work with all stakeholders to ensure an agreeable conclusion can be reached on the issue.”

Head coach Charles Akonnor in the coming days is expected to invite new players to strengthen his provisional squad for the matches.