FIFA gives Premier League clubs advantage as AFCON draws nearer

In its official statement, FIFA said the revised release date follows the same principle used during the 2022 World Cup, aimed at reducing the pressure on clubs while maintaining respect for international competitions. 

Clubs involved in continental tournaments during the release period have also been encouraged to resolve disputes through direct discussions with national associations.

Despite the revised ruling, several Premier League clubs are still set to suffer heavily during AFCON. 

Manchester United will lose not only Mbeumo but also Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, while Sunderland could be without as many as seven players, including Bertrand Traore, Simon Adingra, and Habib Diarra. 

Manchester City are expected to lose Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri, while Tottenham will be without midfield duo Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma.

By contrast, some clubs have escaped the disruption entirely. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United will not lose any players to the tournament, while Liverpool will only be without Salah. 

Reds boss Arne Slot previously revealed that Salah would remain at the club until mid-December, a decision now formally supported by FIFA’s ruling.Liverpool and Manchester United have been handed a significant boost ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after FIFA softened its player release rules. 

The world football governing body has confirmed that clubs will be allowed to keep African internationals for an extra week before they join their national teams. 

The decision directly benefits stars such as Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United, who were initially expected to depart earlier in December.

Under the previous regulations, players selected for AFCON duty were required to report for international duty by December 8. 

However, FIFA has now moved the mandatory release date to December 15, giving clubs critical breathing space during one of the busiest periods of the European season. 

The tournament will run in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, meaning several key players will still miss important fixtures despite the adjustment.

FIFA confirmed the change following consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other stakeholders.