The UK government has confirmed that footballers who are double-vaccinated against Covid-19 will be exempt from a mandatory 10-day hotel quarantine following the upcoming international break.
After the previous break ended in huge disagreements between various governing bodies and international teams, the move has been made to allow players to return to action as soon as possible.
Previously players who travelled to countries on the Government’s red-list were required to quarantine for 10 days upon their return.
However, it has now been confirmed that those particular guidelines have been relaxed for those who have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. However, one caveat added is that players must stay in segregated accommodation near to the training ground despite being permitted to play and train.
Friday's announcement will affect Leeds United's Raphinha - if he is double vaccinated - who is away with Brazil this month.
Two of Brazil's matches are away in Colombia and Venezuela, both on the red list, while the third is against Uruguay in Brazil, which is also on the red list.
Last month the winger was called up to make his debut for his country, but Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani said the Brazilian chose not to travel due to the need to quarantine for ten days in a hotel upon return.
Regardless of his decision, all Premier League clubs then banned players from playing for their countries in red-list destinations.
Brazil’s final match of the three will be at home to Uruguay on October 15, less than 48 hours before Leeds travel to Southampton for a match on 16 October, which may mean the Whites being without their star player for the trip south.
The government statement, released on Friday, reads: ”We have worked closely with football authorities to achieve an outcome that balances the interests of both club and country while maintaining the highest levels of public health and safety.
"Our best defence against the virus is vaccination and these new measures will allow fully vaccinated players to fulfil their international duties in the safest, most practical way possible, while allowing them to train and play with their clubs as early as possible upon their return."
