1 godzina temu
FIFA has extended the player release deadline for the Africa Cup of Nations by seven days, allowing Premier League clubs to retain their African stars until December 15 instead of December 8. The decision provides crucial relief for top-flight teams ahead of the tournament's December 21 start in Morocco.
The change means Liverpool can keep Mohamed Salah for their Premier League clash against Brighton on December 13, while Manchester United retains Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui for additional fixtures. Clubs competing in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League will also benefit by keeping AFCON-bound players for upcoming European matches.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed the inevitable absence at a press conference on Tuesday: «It is the 15th of December. As always there is the nation involved, the player involved and the club. There are always talks about what is the best for all three of us. We have to find a way to play without him as he'll not be here. That's true.»
Impact across the league
Sunderland faces the biggest disruption with seven players potentially departing, though they will now have a full squad for their first top-flight Tyne-Wear derby. Wolves will lose five players while Nottingham Forest will be without four. Sheffield Wednesday can retain Sean Fusire and Yan Valery until mid-December, though a question mark remains over Fusire's availability for the Derby County match on December 15 if he makes Zimbabwe's final squad.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United are not expected to be significantly impacted by the tournament.
Tournament timeline
The Africa Cup of Nations runs from December 21 until January 18. Morocco opens the tournament against Comoros. Zimbabwe faces Egypt on December 22, while Tunisia plays Uganda on December 23.
FIFA modeled the updated rules on the framework used for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The decision followed what FIFA described as «fruitful consultations led by FIFA with key stakeholders and, thanks to the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by CAF to reduce the impact on various parties.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
