CAF has formally accepted FIFA’s decision to cut the mandatory release period for players ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a move that has stunned several African federations and threatens to leave national teams with almost no preparation time.
FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that clubs will now release AFCON-bound players on 15 December ; just six days before the tournament kicks off instead of the standard 14-day window guaranteed under its own regulations for major competitions.
The governing body said the decision followed “fruitful consultations” and was made possible “thanks to the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by CAF,” a line widely interpreted as CAF yielding to pressure from European clubs.
FIFA’s communication stressed that the reduced release period applies only to AFCON 2025, referencing the “principle used at the 2022 World Cup” to justify the adjustment.
“The release period will be reduced by seven days and start on Monday, 15 December 2025,” the statement read, urging clubs and national teams to “hold bilateral discussions in good faith.”
However, a controversial clause appears to give European clubs additional power to question the release of certain players even within that limited window.
FIFA noted that if disputes arise, it will apply guidelines considering club match schedules and a player’s role and involvement, effectively allowing clubs to argue that key players should remain available for domestic or European fixtures.
African coaches fear this may lead to some players joining camp even later than 15 December, disrupting planned warm-up sessions or missing them entirely.
