2025 AFCON: FIFA confirms Dec 15 release date for players

FIFA has confirmed December 15 as the final release date for players heading to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON), giving clubs an extra week with their African internationals.

The new date means Nigerian players expected at the tournament will stay with their clubs longer than previously planned.

Before the decision, clubs faced the risk of losing their African players by December 8, a timeline that had drawn resistance across Europe.

FIFA said the change followed consultations with key football bodies, including CAF.

According to the statement, CAF agreed to the adjustment after discussions on how best to manage player release obligations.

FIFA also advised national associations and clubs to engage in direct talks when necessary to prevent disputes over player availability.

The new date offers relief to many Premier League and European sides with important African players.

Teams will still lose their internationals, but for a shorter period during a demanding part of the season.

Liverpool will release Mohamed Salah, while Manchester City will be without Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri during the AFCON window.

Manchester United will lose Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui.

Fulham will be without Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze once Nigeria opens camp.

Other Nigerian players affected include Tolu Arokodare of Wolves, Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and the Sevilla duo Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams.

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika will also join the national team for the tournament.

The adjusted release date gives players more time to complete club duties before the AFCON kicks off on December 21.

The competition, hosted by Morocco, will feature 24 teams, with Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and the hosts among the expected contenders.

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