Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool have received a boost after FIFA ruled that players do not need to be released for the Africa Cup of Nations until December 15, a week later than initially expected. The tournament begins on December 21, with several Premier League players set to participate.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah will now be available for the Premier League weekend of December 13–14. Manager Arne Slot confirmed on Tuesday: 'He'll go on December 15.' Slot added: 'The way we have worked is that there's a communication between all three — the player, the club and country. That's nothing new. But FIFA have said December 15 is the last day a player has to be released.'
Manchester United could see Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui feature in their clash against Bournemouth on December 15, though it remains unclear if they will be released before that date. United boss Ruben Amorim said: 'We have the rules, when we have to release the players, so we will see. We are doing our job to try and maintain the players a little bit longer... We need to respect that, but we will try to do everything to protect the club.'
Newly-promoted Sunderland are the most affected Premier League side, with up to seven players expected to feature in AFCON. They could all now be available for the Wear-Tyne Derby against Newcastle United on December 14. In contrast, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United have no players in the tournament and will not be impacted.
The Africa Cup of Nations runs from December 21 to January 18, with hosts Morocco playing Comoros in the opening match.
