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AFCON Player Release Delayed: A Week's Relief for Premier League
2 Dec
Summary
- Premier League clubs receive an extra week to release players for AFCON.
- New deadline is December 15, seven days later than initially set.
- This change allows several key players to feature in crucial league matches.
FIFA has extended the release deadline for Premier League players heading to the Africa Cup of Nations by one week, now set for December 15. This decision provides a crucial reprieve for top-flight clubs facing significant squad disruptions. The change allows numerous stars to participate in key domestic fixtures before joining their national teams for the tournament.
Several clubs stand to benefit from this extended window. For instance, seven Sunderland players may now be available for their derby against Newcastle. Manchester United could also field players like Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo in their match against Bournemouth. Liverpool will retain Mohamed Salah for their game against Brighton, while Omar Marmoush will be available for Manchester City's clash with Crystal Palace.
The Africa Cup of Nations, commencing on December 21, could see up to 45 Premier League players depart their clubs. Some players might miss up to eight league matches and an FA Cup tie if their nations reach the final on January 18. This revised deadline offers a strategic advantage to teams grappling with the impact of player absences.
