Premier League clubs WON’T stop stars from going on holiday to countries on UK’s amber-list

Premier League clubs believe they are powerless to stop players visiting amber-list countries during the close season, despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plea to avoid such destinations.

There have been mixed messages from Government about whether people should travel to countries in the amber zone — leading to confusion at top-flight clubs as to what they should advise their players.

The League will not issue any official guidance, leaving it to each club’s discretion.

Premier League clubs believe they are powerless to stop players visiting amber-list countries

That is despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plea to avoid such destinations this summer

However, clubs believe they will not be able to restrict players’ travel for a second successive summer — particularly given that Government advice effectively permits them to travel to amber-list countries.

Certain clubs are reluctant to prevent their players travelling back to their home countries, because many of them have not seen family members for more than a year and have suffered from the gruelling nature of this packed season.

Provided players are willing to complete the necessary period of isolation upon their return to the UK in time for the start of pre-season training, clubs have no issues with their players travelling to amber zones.

Sportsmail understands that some top-flight footballers have already flown back to their home nations to visit family.

Portugal, which is on the green list, is expected to be the most popular destination among homegrown professional footballers this summer.

The Premier League do not plan to distribute any official guidance on travel to their stars