Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool have been handed a significant and timely boost ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, following a crucial new ruling from world football's governing body.
FIFA Grants Crucial Extension for Clubs
FIFA has informed clubs that they will not be required to release players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations until December 15. This decision provides a welcome reprieve, as the deadline is now set a full week later than was initially anticipated by many within the game. The tournament itself is scheduled to commence on December 21 in Ivory Coast.
How the Ruling Affects Key Premier League Stars
This extension has immediate and positive consequences for several top-flight teams who were facing the prospect of losing vital personnel during the busy festive fixture schedule. The most notable beneficiary is Liverpool, whose talismanic forward Mohamed Salah is now expected to be available for selection in a key Premier League fixture.
Salah should now be able to feature for Liverpool in their home match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, December 13, just two days before the revised international reporting date. This could prove decisive for the Reds' title ambitions.
For Manchester United, the picture is similarly improved. The ruling raises the distinct possibility that players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui could be cleared to play in United's clash against Bournemouth, depending on the precise logistics of travel and national team preparations. Their availability would offer manager Erik ten Hag much-needed options during a congested period.
Broader Implications for the Premier League
While the focus is on the league's most prominent clubs, the FIFA decision will be welcomed by a host of other Premier League sides who have players set to compete in the continental championship. The extra week allows for greater squad continuity during a demanding part of the season where every point is crucial.
The adjustment showcases the ongoing negotiation between club and international football calendars, with this particular compromise offering some relief to English teams. Managers will now be recalculating their plans for December with a slightly stronger hand than they had previously envisaged.
