FIFA Announces December 15 as Deadline for 2025 AFCON Player Release
FIFA has announced that players called up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will now be released by their clubs no later than December 15, giving European clubs extra time during the busy festive fixture period.
The new ruling allows Super Eagles stars, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey, to remain with their clubs longer before joining the tournament in Morocco, which runs from December 21 to January 18, 2026.
Previously, African internationals were expected to leave as early as December 8, a move that raised concerns among European teams due to potential player shortages in key league matches.
In a statement, FIFA said the change followed fruitful consultations with stakeholders, adding that CAF demonstrated solidarity by agreeing to the revised release date. FIFA also encouraged national associations and clubs to engage in good faith bilateral discussions to manage player availability smoothly.
The update is a relief for European clubs with many African players. Clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United will still lose key players but for a shorter period:
- Liverpool: Mohamed Salah
- Manchester City: Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri
- Manchester United: Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui
Other clubs impacted by Nigeria’s call-ups include:
- Fulham: Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze
- Brentford: Frank Onyeka
- Wolverhampton Wanderers: Tolu Arokodare
- Atalanta: Ademola Lookman
- Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen
- Sevilla: Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams
- Club Brugge: Raphael Onyedika
The revised release date allows clubs to complete critical league matches before players depart for AFCON. The tournament, featuring 24 nations, is expected to be highly competitive, with favorites including Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Senegal.
This adjustment provides national team coaches with slightly more continuity in preparation while helping clubs manage player workload during one of the busiest periods in European football.
