In a significant move for English football, FIFA has agreed to push back the deadline for Premier League clubs to release players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The decision grants teams a crucial extra week with their international stars before the tournament begins in Morocco.
Revised Deadline Eases Festive Fixture Crunch
The new directive from football's global governing body means clubs will not have to release their African internationals until December 15. This is a full seven days later than the original date, offering major relief to managers whose squads face disruption during the busy festive period. The tournament itself kicks off on December 21.
Which Premier League Clubs Benefit Most?
The ruling has immediate and tangible benefits for several clubs with key fixtures in mid-December. Sunderland, who could lose seven first-team players, will now have them available for the first top-flight Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle in nine years, scheduled for December 14.
Manchester United may also profit, potentially fielding Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui for their home match against Bournemouth on December 15, though their participation hinges on the precise interpretation of the new FIFA instruction.
Liverpool will retain the services of Mohamed Salah for their game against Brighton on December 13. Similarly, Manchester City's opponent Crystal Palace will have access to forward Omar Marmoush for their clash on December 14.
The Scale of Premier League Absences
The impact of the tournament on the Premier League is substantial. As many as 45 players from the division are expected to depart for AFCON. Only four clubs—Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds, and Newcastle—have no representatives selected for the competition.
Sunderland are the worst affected, with seven players including Chemesdine Talbi and Simon Adingra set to miss games. Winless Wolves, bottom of the table, could lose up to five players, more than Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United were among the clubs lobbying FIFA for the delay, aware that players could miss up to eight matches if their national team reaches the final on January 18. There is precedent for late arrivals, as seen when Andre Onana missed Cameroon's first AFCON match in 2023 to play for United.
