AFCON 2025: Comoros coach Stefano Cusin criticizes FIFA over late player release

Stefano Cusin expresses frustration at FIFA’s decision to postpone the release of players ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, calling it “regrettable” and a sign of disrespect toward African football.

The Italian coach, leading the Comoros Coelacanths, highlights the logistical and sporting challenges created by the late release.

In an interview with AFP, Cusin points out that national federations have already finalised schedules, booked hotels, secured training facilities, and arranged friendly matches.

The unexpected change disrupts months of planning and preparation for all participating teams.

Comoros will face tournament hosts Morocco in the opening match on 21 December.

Cusin warns that missing additional preparation days could directly affect performance and the quality of the spectacle.

“We could have really used three or four more days to prepare,” he says, stressing that the team is particularly disadvantaged by the timing.

FIFA defends its decision by citing precedent from the 2022 World Cup, which allowed a reduced availability period of seven days before the competition.

Cusin, however, rejects this justification, describing the move as “not very professional for an organization like FIFA.”

He adds that clubs had ample time—over a year—to anticipate the tournament schedule, making the sudden adjustment unnecessary and unfair to African national teams.

Cusin joins a growing chorus of coaches, including Claude Le Roy and Tom Saintfiet, in publicly criticizing FIFA for policies that appear to prioritise clubs over continental competitions.

The collective frustration highlights ongoing tensions between international governing bodies and African football associations as teams prepare for AFCON 2025.

As the countdown to the tournament continues, Comoros and other nations now face compressed preparation windows, forcing coaches to adapt quickly while maintaining tactical cohesion and player readiness.