Premier League clubs can refuse Portuguese or South American player release in March

Manchester United are not obliged to release Bruno Fernandes for international duty because of UK quarantine rules on arrivals from Portugal. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA

Premier League clubs will not be obliged to let Portuguese or South American stars represent their national teams in the March international break after world governing body FIFA extended a rule over player release.

Clubs are usually bound by FIFA regulations to release players for international duty but an exemption was added in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic which allows clubs to refuse in a number of circumstances, including where there is a mandatory quarantine period of five days or more on return to their club.