(Football news) In a dramatic turn of events, FIFA has now cleared the Brazilian, Chile, Mexico and Paraguay players who were blocked from selection by their Premier League teams this weekend after Article 5 was invoked by FIFA. The issue started when the clubs did not release their players to red list countries for the latest round of International fixtures, resulting in a five day restriction being imposed on the clubs.

However, after extensive talks with the FA, FIFA, Premier League and the associations of Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico and Chile, article 5 has now been lifted and the players will be available for selection at this weekend’s Premier League fixtures. The resolution was reached on Friday night, less than 12 hours before the first set of this weekend’s matches.

Liverpool will breathe a sigh of relief as Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson are now available for selection against Leeds on Sunday while Manchester City will have Ederson and Gabriel Jesus against Leicester City. Manchester United will have Fred available while Chelsea can now include Thiago Silva in the starting XI. Both Man Utd and Chelsea would also have their Brazilian players available for selection at the opening matches of the Champions League next midweek.

The unanimous agreement by Premier League clubs to prohibit players from travelling to Red List countries was because of a mandatory 10 day quarantine period by the U.K government, which meant an extended period of time before the players are available again. Managers Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expressed their displeasure at the situation at Friday's press conferences while Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel suggested that the matches should be held at an alternate venue to avoid quarantine.

Raul Jiminez of Wolves, Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron, Raphina from Leeds and Francisco Sierralta of Watford will also be available for selection this weekend.

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