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Newcastle United's Almiron in FIFA Sanction Crosshairs Over International Duty Refusal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Newcastle United may face severe consequences for refusing to release Paraguayan international Miguel Almiron for his country's World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. The Paraguayan Football Association has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, citing the Premier League's decision to prevent Almiron from joining the squad. This move is in line with the Premier League's guidance not to permit players to travel to red-list nations, where Almiron's return to the UK would have required a 10-day quarantine. Other English clubs, such as Aston Villa and Tottenham, have made exceptions for players traveling to Argentina, leading to tensions between FIFA and the UK government.

Key Takeaways:

  • FIFA is considering imposing a worldwide playing ban on Almiron for up to five days, potentially preventing him from playing against Manchester United.
  • The Paraguayan, Chilean, and Mexican Football Associations have made formal complaints to FIFA, demanding penalties for the players not released for international duty.
  • Newcastle United could be fined or face other sanctions if FIFA enacts the playing ban on Almiron, potentially impacting the team's schedule and roster.
  • The Premier League's decision to prevent release of players to red-list nations has created a rift with FIFA, which is concerned about the potential implications for the integrity of the South American qualifying competition.
  • Steve Bruce's 25-man squad list for Newcastle may feature four goalkeepers, including Freddie Woodman, Mark Gillespie, Martin Dubravka, and Karl Darlow.
  • The club still has the opportunity to sign an out-of-contract player, with free agents Nabil Bentaleb and Jack Wilshere being considered.

Statistics:

  • 10 days: The quarantine period required for Almiron's return to the UK from Ecuador or Paraguay.
  • 25: The number on the squad list that has to be submitted to the Premier League.
  • 4: The number of goalkeepers expected to feature on Newcastle's 25-man squad list.
  • 5 days: The maximum period of a worldwide playing ban that FIFA can enact on a player not released for international duty.
  • 27-year-old: Almiron's age.

Sources:

  • "FIFA fury with English clubs over refusal to release players for international duty." Newscast
  • "Newcastle United trio line up for return to Premier League fray...but who will start?" Newscast

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