Premier League clubs have received a timely boost as FIFA has extended the release date for players participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Under the revised timeline, players can now remain with their clubs until 15 December, giving teams an additional seven days with their African stars before they depart for Morocco. The tournament kicks off on 21 December.
According to Daily Mail Sport, the decision comes as a relief for clubs with key fixtures in mid-December.
Impact on Premier League Fixtures
Sunderland benefit most immediately, as their first Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle in nine years, scheduled for 14 December, will now see all seven of their AFCON-bound players available. The players heading to national teams include Chemesdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, and Habib Diarra.
Manchester United may also gain from the extension. Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui could still feature in their 15 December home match against Bournemouth, though it remains uncertain due to FIFA’s release rule.
Liverpool retain Mohamed Salah for their clash with Brighton on 13 December, while Crystal Palace can field Omar Marmoush against Manchester City on 14 December.
Player Departures and Club Concerns
Approximately 45 Premier League players are expected to leave for AFCON, though clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds, and Newcastle will not lose any squad members. Newcastle had concerns over Yoane Wissa, but the striker, recovering from injury, was not selected by DR Congo.
Other teams face varying impacts:
- Wolves, bottom of the league with just two points from 13 matches, could lose up to five players.
- Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are expected to lose four players each.
Background and Precedent
Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, lobbied for the extension to mitigate fixture disruptions. Players whose nations reach the AFCON final on 18 January could otherwise miss up to eight league matches and an FA Cup third-round tie.
Historically, there have been instances of late arrivals despite FIFA deadlines. For example, Andre Onana, excluded from Cameroon’s latest squad, delayed his participation in the 2023 tournament to play for Manchester United against Tottenham.
