FIFA will adjust the release period for African internationals ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after sustained pressure from European clubs, UEFA, and several national leagues.
The tournament, scheduled from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, has once again triggered debate over its impact on the European football calendar.
Players were initially expected to join their national teams on 8 December 2025.
After weeks of negotiations and mounting objections from clubs concerned about losing key footballers during a congested festive programme, FIFA decided to delay the release date to 15 December.
European sides argued that the original timeline risked weakening squads at a decisive moment in the season, particularly during Christmas fixtures and the Premier League’s traditional Boxing Day schedule.
This revised decision offers European clubs an additional week with their African players, a development many of them had fiercely pushed for.
However, it poses serious complications for African federations. Several national teams had already finalised training camps, scheduled friendly matches, and secured travel arrangements beginning 8 December.
These commitments now face disruption, and federations fear substantial financial losses if pre-booked expenses go unreimbursed.
FIFA is expected to confirm the new release date formally in the coming days, bringing an end to a tense standoff but opening a fresh wave of logistical challenges for African teams preparing for the continent’s biggest tournament.
