FIFA has officially announced that clubs must release their players for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by December 15, 2025.
This decision comes after consultations with key stakeholders, including the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to minimize the impact on clubs and national teams.
The release date was previously set for December 8, but FIFA has extended it by a week to allow clubs to retain their players for an additional week. This means that players will join their national teams just six days before the tournament kicks off on December 21, 2025, in Morocco.
The AFCON will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, and will feature 24 teams, including heavyweights like Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Senegal. The tournament’s timing has posed logistical challenges for coaches and organizers, given the short preparation period for national teams.
FIFA has encouraged national federations and clubs to engage in bilateral discussions to resolve any scheduling conflicts.
If disputes persist, FIFA will act as a mediator to find a solution. The governing body has also emphasized the importance of finding a balance between club and national team commitments.
