England’s clash with Iceland ‘could be CALLED OFF due to government’s ban on people entering the UK from Denmark’, with Nations League opponents playing in Copenhagen just three days before Wembley meeting
- England’s Nations League clash with Iceland at Wembley could be postponed
- Iceland are due to play Denmark in Copenhagen before facing the Three Lions
- The government’s new travel ban stops people entering the UK from Denmark
- The rules include all elite sportspeople who would previously have been exempt
England’s UEFA Nations League clash with Iceland could be called off due to the government’s travel ban on people entering the country from Denmark.
Iceland play Denmark in a friendly in Copenhagen just three days before they are due to face Gareth Southgate‘s side at Wembley.
As reported by The Sun, the government’s new ban on arrivals from Denmark includes all elite sportspeople who would previously have been exempt from restrictions.
England’s UEFA Nations League game with Iceland at Wembley could be called off
Iceland are due to play Denmark in a friendly three days before they play the Three Lions
The government’s new ban on arrivals from Denmark includes all elite sportspeople who would previously have been exempt from restrictions
As a result, the entire Iceland squad would be denied entry into the country for the Nations League fixture on November 18.
The government are said to be in contact with the FA over the impact of the new rules but are not set to review the guidelines for at least a week
A ban a was imposed on non-UK citizens coming from Denmark in the early hours of Saturday morning amid concerns over a new coronavirus strain that has spread from mink to humans.
UK citizens can return from Denmark – but will have to isolate along with all members of their household for 14 days.
The government are said to be in contact with the FA over the impact of the new guidelines
Since sport returned, elite competitors had been exempt from from any quarantine rules because they were working in a secure environment but the Department of Transport said: ‘Unlike other travel to the UK, there will be no exemptions to this quarantine policy.’
The move also has serious implications for Premier League clubs who were due to have players join up with the Danish national squad.
Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen, Pierre Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham and Southampton defender Jannick Vestergaard are all due to join up with the Denmark squad next week.
All are residents in the UK so will be permitted re-entry into the country, but under the new rules they will have to self-isolate for 14 days.
FIFA rules issued at the start of the pandemic said clubs would be able to withdraw their players from international duty if there is a risk of coronavirus infection, meaning some managers may opt to block their stars leaving.
Denmark are due to host Sweden in a friendly on November 11. Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof, Everton’s Robin Olsen and Newcastle’s Krafth all part of the Sweden squad meaning they too could have to self-isolate if they travel to Denmark.
The move could also have implications for Premier League players due to join up with Denmark including Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel
Premier League clubs are already working under strict new rules for players returning from overseas. Every player arriving back into the country must provide a negative Covid-19 test before they are allowed to resume training with their team.
Some players may not arrive back in England until Thursday November 19. It can take up to 48 hours for test results to arrive back meaning some players may not be able to train before the weekend games.
The Three Lions host the Republic of Ireland in a friendly on November 12 before they play their Nations League fixture against Belgium on November 15.
Source link