Clubs have until December 15 to release players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, has confirmed.
FIFA pushed the release date back by a week after fruitful consultation with key stakeholders.
The world soccer ruling body urged national associations and clubs to hold “good faith bilateral discussions” to ease potential friction over player availability.
The competition will run from 21 December, 2025 to 18 January, 2026, with clubs especially in England set to lose their players for a significant period.
Majority of the 24 participating countries will now just one week to prepare for the competition.
The countries will also have to adjust their preparations having scheduled friendlies ahead of the tournament.
(Complete Sports)
