‘What does FIFA think about AFCON?’ – South Africa coach Hugo Broos blasts late player-release rule

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has criticised FIFA’s ruling that clubs may keep national team players until December 15, saying it reflects disregard for African football.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations begins six days later, leaving several teams with minimal preparation time for a major continental tournament.

Broos argued that the issue will affect countries differently, noting that Bafana Bafana benefit slightly due to their strong home-based core. He believes opponents such as Morocco, Senegal and Cameroon, whose squads rely heavily on Europe-based players, face far greater disruption.

Bafana opened camp on Monday with 12 players, later reinforced by Orlando Pirates members returning from a short break after the Carling Cup final.

The ruling came under pressure from European clubs and grants teams only a single release date, intensifying challenges created by AFCON’s mid-season timing.

Broos questioned whether a similar decision would ever be made for a European Championship or comparable UEFA event.

“Saying players who are playing abroad cannot join their national teams until the 15th, I wonder what the situation is with teams like Morocco, Senegal and Nigeria, who only have overseas-based players in their set-up. I don’t know what FIFA thinks about this competition,” Broos told reporters.

“Morocco will get their players on the 15th and six days later they play their opening game (against Comoros). It shows again what FIFA thinks about Africa. I am sure they were also influenced by European clubs to change the dates.”

South Africa will feel the effects, though not to the same degree. Striker Lyle Foster will play for Burnley against Fulham on Saturday before joining camp.

His familiarity with the national setup eases concerns over limited preparation. Midfielder Sphephelo Sithole faces a similar schedule at Tondela but is equally well integrated into Broos’s plans.

Centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana must balance injury concerns with potential Europa League action for Feyenoord before linking up. In contrast, Queens Park Rangers youngster Tylon Smith is already in camp despite limited senior involvement this season.

Broos expressed frustration over Club Brugge’s handling of winger Shandre Campbell.

“The day he (Campbell) got the call-up, we had a letter from Brugge saying he will only be released on the 15th,” Broos said.

“I think that is a bit bitter. You can do that with a player who is regularly in the first team. But Shandre is always on the bench, sometimes he is not even on the bench, or he comes on for the last five minutes.

“So I am asking why keep that player at the club, when he has the opportunity to prepare with the national team for an AFCON?”

Bafana’s Saudi-based duo Mohau Nkota and Elias Mokwana have arrived early due to a league break, offering Broos some stability amid a disrupted build-up.