CAN 2025: FIFA pushes back the date for releasing international players by one week
FIFA finally gave in to pressure from European clubs by postponing by one week the release of African internationals for the CAN 2025, disrupting the preparation of several national teams as the tournament approaches.
Trophée de la Coupe d’Afrique des nations (une maquette)
The saga over the release of players for the CAN 2025 has finally reached its conclusion. Faced with persistent pressure from European clubs, FIFA has formalized a relaxation of the calendar, pushing back the date for the release of African internationals to December 15. A decision that is sure to provoke reactions less than two weeks before the start of the tournament in Morocco.
For several days, African federations had been worried about the hold-up imposed by certain clubs, eager to keep their key players for a final run of matches before the break. While the national teams had already planned their camps and entire preparations according to the original schedule, this postponement disrupts the organization of many coaching staffs.
By enacting this change, FIFA justifies its position by aligning with the exceptional protocol adopted during the 2022 World Cup, effectively reducing the period during which players must be made available. A measure welcomed by several European clubs, relieved to hold on to their key players for a few extra days.
On the African coaches’ side, however, feelings range from frustration to resignation. With a major competition approaching, this latest setback looks like a blow to their preparations. Now it’s down to how each will manage to readjust their schedules in an already very tight timeframe.