Premier League players could 'refuse to play for England' as potential strike plan laid out
Premier League players could refuse to play for their country as the possibility of strikes continues to progress.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri's recent comments on the matter have caused a stir, with the PFA releasing their latest guidance on the matter which backed up the Spaniard's thoughts.
It is thought international football could first be hit after changes wre made to the next World Cup with more games set to be played.
FIFA are already facing lawsuits after they chose to also extend the duration of the winter-based Club World Cup.
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Domestic football is set to remain but PFA chief Maheta Molango has said industrial action could soon be on its way.
Asked what form any strike would take, Molango told BBC Radio Five Live: “We’ve been very clear that we want to give priority to our domestic competitions.
"This is the bread and butter of our players, so I don’t think that the issue is here domestically.
“I think the problem is more in terms of international competition, especially the national team competitions, for example, or this new format of World Cup that happens in the summer.
“So, I don’t think that the focus is forcibly on domestic competitions.
"The focus is more on international ones and I think we need to define now what this may look like.”
Telegraph Sport reported that there is no immediate threat of Premier League players going on strike but an increasing number have made it clear behind the scenes that they are ready to take action.
Comments from Molango suggest the PFA would stand by any proposed strikes players wish to take on the matter.
“We’ve been talking about this topic for a long time now and there have been a number of meetings where the players have been involved and spoken directly to the authorities to let them know how they felt about it," he added.
"And the situation has not gotten better. It has gotten even worse.”
Rodri, along with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, have been the most outspoken on the matter and both made it clear that players are becoming frustrated with the packed fixture schedule.
“Yeah, I think we are close to that. It is easy to understand," Rodri said when quizzed on the matter.
“I think it’s something general. I think if you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever.
"I think it’s the general opinion of the players.
Matthew Holt