FIFA Revises AFCON Player Release Date to December 15

European clubs will retain their African internationals for an extra week after FIFA announced that players bound for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) must now be released by December 15, instead of the previously expected December 8.

The decision brings relief to many clubs, which had raised concerns about losing key players during the busy holiday fixtures. Under the revised timetable, clubs can rely on their African stars deeper into December before they depart for international duty.

For national teams preparing for the tournament in Morocco, the change shortens their window for assembling the full squad. This compresses the time available for training, team bonding, and tactical preparations.

Several players from Nigeria’s Super Eagles, including Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, will now be available for their clubs longer before joining their national team camp.