AFCON: players’ departure delayed, clubs cheer, FAs protest | OneFootball

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled from December 21 to January 18, once again becomes a battleground between European clubs and African federations.

Africa Cup of Nations, players' departure postponed: European clubs rejoice, African federations protest

FIFA has announced the postponement of the release date for called-up players: instead of December 8, players will leave their teams on December 15, just seven days before the tournament begins.

A postponement that sparks debate

The measure allows European clubs to keep their African players for one last round of European cups and a league match before the Christmas break. A move welcomed with satisfaction by the clubs, which have long complained about losing key players for a period that can last up to two months.

However, not everyone agrees with the decision. The African federations (CAF) have expressed deep dissatisfaction: they had planned training camps and covered expenses for flights and accommodations to start on December 8. The delay has thus created discontent among the national teams, which see their preparation plans compromised.

FIFA's position

According to FIFA, the parties are encouraged to engage in dialogue: “African federations and clubs are invited to hold bilateral discussions to find any suitable individual solutions. In cases where a dispute remains, FIFA mediates between the parties, considering match schedules, competition stages, historical and expected player participation, and other relevant factors.”

The measure follows the principle already adopted for the 2022 World Cup, where players were released to national teams with a reduced period of seven days before the tournament began.

Impact on clubs and national teams

For European clubs, it is an advantageous decision: African players will be able to participate in one last round of the Champions League, Europa League, or league matches before leaving for the continent. On the other hand, African federations will have to reorganize training camps and sessions, finding new logistical and technical solutions in a very short time.

The issue once again highlights the conflict between the needs of clubs and national entities in the international calendar, a recurring theme in all editions of the Africa Cup of Nations held during the European season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.