FIFA enforce release date for Premier League players heading to AFCON | OneFootball

FIFA have confirmed clubs must release players for the Africa Cup of Nations by 15th December.

The governing body are set to intervene in a bid to avoid disputes between club and country. Players representing their nations at AFCON, which begins in Morocco on December 21st, will now need to depart for the tournament on December 15th.

Sunderland are set to be beneficiaries from the concrete date. The Black Cats are set to lose seven players to the tournament, more than any other Premier League team.

However, the club’s African contingent will all be available to face fierce rivals Newcastle United in the first Tyne-Wear Derby of the season on December 14th.

Manchester United, in contrast, are likely to seek clarity on Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo. Ruben Amorim’s side are due to face Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 15th, putting their involvement in doubt.

When is AFCON 2025?

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco, with the opening fixture between the host nation and Comoros scheduled for December 21st. The final of the tournament will take place at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, on January 18th 2026.

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