FIFA has announced clubs must release players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco only six days before kickoff, on December 15. This short window, citing the FIFA World Cup 2022 precedent, aims to minimize club disruption and avoid clashes with UEFA competitions. The tournament runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The decision has caused anger among African football stakeholders, who argue it undermines national team preparations. Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle criticized FIFA, stating, “FIFA only needs Africa during elections, but it doesn’t value our competitions like AFCON or give them the recognition they deserve.”