Soccer-Clear rules needed on player release says Argentina coach Scaloni

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Copa America 2021 - Final - Brazil v Argentina - Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - July 10, 2021 Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni during the match REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni on Saturday called for “clear and inflexible” rules on the release of players for international duty, a day before his side take on a depleted Brazil in a key World Cup qualifier.

Brazil are without nine key men for the match in Sao Paulo, and other South American sides have also lost players due to a decision by some European clubs not to let their players travel to the continent in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.