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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Hannah Pinnock

Brazil manager comments strengthens Liverpool argument against triple FIFA ban

Liverpool have been told they cannot select Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino against Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Reds were one of a number of Premier League clubs punished by FIFA this week after failing to release players for international duty.

The Brazilian Football Association requested FIFA invoke their five-day ban that would see players miss this weekend's fixtures.

Brazil have already had one game suspended this international break as health officials stormed the pitch during their World Cup qualifier against Argentina in Sao Paulo on Sunday.

READ MORE: What would happen if Liverpool ignored FIFA ban on Brazilians for Leeds clash?

The country's authorities said four England-based players for Argentina had to quarantine.

Ahead of Brazil's game against Peru, manager Tite spoke to the press on Wednesday night and was asked about Sunday's incident.

His comments only strengthen the arguments of the English clubs looking to challenge FIFA's decision.

“A fair decision is to respect laws, a fair decision is first and foremost the health of people," Tite said, via GE.

"The fair decision is that the sport is important, but it has a scale of importance in which health is above, the laws are above.”

What do you think of FIFA's ban? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

The ECHO understands while Liverpool are considering their next step, they are determined their players can and should be allowed to play this weekend given the players would've been unable to report back from international duty as normal.

Brazil is currently on the government's red list, which means players would've had to spend 10 days in a Government-managed quarantine hotel upon their return.

They would've missed four games as a result, which led to Premier League clubs taking a collective stance not to release players this international break for matches taking place in red-list countries.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Leeds have also faced similar sanctions from FIFA.

Leeds, as it stands, will be without Raphinha for Sunday's meeting with Liverpool, whilst the Reds will be without Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson.

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