European clubs have gained an extra week with their top African talent after FIFA confirmed that the mandatory player release date for the 2025 AFCON is now December 15, instead of the customary seven days earlier.
The tournament in Morocco runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.This compromise, agreed upon with CAF, is meant to reduce the “impact” on stakeholders, a stance that aligns the AFCON release with the 2022 World Cup model and the UEFA Champions League schedule (ending Dec 10).Consequently, African nations, heavily reliant on Europe-based players, will have under seven days to finalize all tactical and fitness preparations.
FIFA has urged national teams and clubs to negotiate “appropriate individual solutions” for possible fixture clashes, a measure that highlights the extreme pressure now on African coaches and their selection strategies.
