FIFA adjusts AFCON release window, allows clubs to keep players until December 15

FIFA has officially announced a change to the release period for players heading to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), allowing clubs to retain their players until 15 December—one week before the tournament begins—rather than the initial 14-day requirement, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to FIFA, the adjustment aligns with the precedent set during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, reducing the mandatory release period to seven days. “In line with the same principle used for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the release period will be reduced by seven days and start on Monday, 15 December 2025,” the statement read.

The decision has sparked widespread frustration among African football stakeholders, as several national teams had already scheduled friendly matches from 8 December and committed significant financial resources to preparations based on the original release date. Under the previous arrangement, clubs were expected to release players after the weekend fixtures of 6–7 December.

With the revised directive, national teams will have less than a week with their full squads before the AFCON kicks off, raising concerns about disrupted planning and inadequate preparation time.

FIFA has not indicated whether it will consider any compensation or exemptions for affected federations.

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