Legal Ayman Al-Rifai revealed that clubs do not have the right to prevent their players from being with their teams during the African Championship, and also sent a message to Saudi clubs regarding their players participating in the tournament.
Ayman Al-Rifai told the “Into the Goal” program: FIFA regulations oblige clubs to participate in their players during the tournaments of their national teams, unless the players decide to retire internationally.
He continued: So far, the clubs, whether foreign or local, have not issued an official decision regarding the presence of players in the African nations, the International Federation must issue a decisive circular on that situation.
He added: The Saudi clubs should unite, meet and send a letter to the Saudi Federation highlighting its concerns and justifications, as happened in England. Saudi Arabia classified Cameroon as one of the most dangerous countries in the recent circular from the Ministry of Health.
He concluded his speech: This is not a legal procedure, but rather an order to be taken in special and exceptional cases.