FIFA's late decision on player release throws AFCON preparations into chaos

Egyptian's Mohammed Salah is one of the players expected to star at AFCON 2025

African countries are facing a major challenge after FIFA's surprise decision to shorten the player release period for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

The tournament kicks off on December 21 in Morocco, and national teams now have less than a week to prepare once all players are available...

African countries are facing a major challenge after FIFA's surprise decision to shorten the player release period for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. The tournament is just around the corner, kicking off on December 21st in Morocco and running until January 18th.

FIFA announced that clubs will only need to release players from December 15th, a week later than usual. This change has left national teams scrambling to adjust their preparation plans, with some cancelling training camps and friendly matches. The decision was made after consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other stakeholders to “reduce the impact on various parties.”

Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye will report to Senegal for AFCON 2025 on Monday 15 December. 🇸🇳

They will therefore both be available for our game at Chelsea on Saturday 13 December. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/e2GiGWNkHP

— Everton (@Everton) December 3, 2025

Senegal have cancelled their training camp in Tunisia, sources say. Meanwhile, Angola, DR Congo, Mozambique, and defending champions Ivory Coast are reconsidering their prep plans in Portugal and Spain.

“What's frustrating and exhausting is that since the last international window, we've been finalising the preparations,” said Angola's French coach Patrice Beaumelle.

“We wanted to start the camp on December 8th in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. I've been travelling to the site for a month and a half now. We've prepared everything, worked on the content of the training sessions, and the venues for the friendly matches. Now everything is at risk.

“We have to be in Morocco on the 18th to play on the 22nd. So we can no longer call it a training camp,” he added.

Several planned friendly matches are also at risk of being cancelled as teams scramble to adjust their schedules.

“We initially wanted to play two friendly matches, on December 14th and 18th, but we should only play one, against an opponent yet to be determined,” said Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma.

CAF appoints Match Officials for TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

🔗 https://t.co/oLp2tYmjuH
https://t.co/DJPXVYfrm2#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/tmIp282FHd

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) November 27, 2025