AFCON Player Release Deadline Extended to December 15 – The Athletic
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 player release deadline has been extended to December 15. This new timeline allows clubs to retain their AFCON-bound players for an additional week of fixtures before they join their national teams for the tournament.
Details of the Extended Deadline
Previously, clubs were expected to release their players by December 8. However, following discussions involving the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and European Football Clubs (EFC), the deadline has been adjusted. This decision highlights the continuing collaboration between key stakeholders to support both club and international football.
Impact on Premier League Teams
Many Premier League managers anticipated that few players would need to report for international duty as early as the initial deadline. With the extension, clubs will now be able to retain their star players for critical fixtures on December 9 and 10, which is crucial for those participating in European competitions.
- Key Dates:
- Deadline for player release: December 15
- Premier League fixtures: December 9, 10, and 11
- Significant Losses:
- Sunderland may lose up to seven players
- Wolverhampton Wanderers to lose five players
- Nottingham Forest will likely be without four players
Players to Watch
Notable Premier League players expected to represent their countries at AFCON include:
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)
- Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United)
- Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)
Future of AFCON
The AFCON 2025 tournament is slated to take place in Morocco, beginning on December 21. The tournament will feature the host nation competing against Comoros, and is expected to conclude on January 18. This means clubs could be without their players for an extended period.
The recent adjustments to the player release deadline reflect a growing understanding between clubs and international football authorities. As the tournament approaches, teams must prepare for the potential impact of AFCON on their squad availability.
