FIFA Confirms December 15 Release Deadline for AFCON 2025 Players

FIFA has officially announced that all clubs must release their players for the Africa Cup of Nations by December 15, setting a firm deadline aimed at preventing disputes between clubs and national teams.

The decision comes as preparations intensify for AFCON 2025, which will be hosted in Morocco. The tournament kicks off on December 21, with the host nation facing Comoros in the opening match.

Under the new directive, players called up for the competition will be required to join their national teams six days before the tournament begins. This means clubs across the world will have to part with their AFCON bound players earlier than many may have anticipated.

AFCON 2025 will be held in Morocco, with the tournament kicking off on December 21 as the host nation faces Comoros in the opening match. The competition will run until January 18, which means clubs may be without some of their key players for nearly a month.