When Do Premier League Stars Depart for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will see Premier League clubs adjusting their schedules to accommodate player departures. The mandatory release date for players participating in the tournament is set for Monday, December 15, 2025.
Key Dates for AFCON 2025
The tournament kicks off on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and runs until the final match on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This timeline requires players to join their national teams six days before the tournament begins.
FIFA’s Decision on Player Releases
FIFA has confirmed that the player release period will start on the Monday preceding AFCON, following discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). They emphasized the importance of cooperation between clubs and national associations.
- Release Date: December 15, 2025
- Tournament Start: December 21, 2025
- Final Match: January 18, 2026
Club Impact and Premier League Matches
Clubs are concerned about the timing of these releases. The weekend of December 13-14, 2025, will be the last opportunity for many players to participate in club matches before heading to Morocco.
Key Matches Before AFCON
- Manchester United vs. Bournemouth – December 14, 2025
- Rangers vs. Hibernian – December 14, 2025
Other important matches will also occur in leagues such as the Championship, La Liga, Serie A, and the top tiers of Portuguese and Turkish football on this date. Players scheduled to join their national teams may miss these crucial fixtures.
Premier League Players Competing at AFCON
Manchester United will see several players competing in the tournament, including:
- Bryan Mbuemo (Cameroon)
- Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
- Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Bournemouth midfielder Amine Adli is also anticipated to represent Morocco alongside Mazraoui.
Concerns from Clubs
Clubs like Manchester United have expressed worries about player availability. Head coach Ruben Amorim mentioned efforts to negotiate for an extension, aiming for players to remain available until December 15. “We are trying to have the players a bit longer,” he stated.
In conclusion, the upcoming AFCON necessitates strategic planning for clubs in the Premier League as they navigate player releases and potential missing players in critical fixtures before the tournament.
