FIFA has announced that the mandatory release of players for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will officially begin on December 15, 2025, following a series of “fruitful consultations” with key stakeholders and a cooperative stance from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The decision, taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council, reduces the release period by seven days — a move consistent with the arrangements made for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The 2025 AFCON will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, making it the first edition of the tournament staged during the Christmas and New Year period.
FIFA said the agreement was made possible due to “the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by CAF” to ensure a balanced solution for national teams, clubs and competition organisers during a congested global football calendar.
As part of the arrangement, FIFA also encouraged Member Associations taking part in AFCON and clubs whose players may still be engaged in continental competitions during the release window to enter bilateral discussions.
These discussions are expected to help both parties reach workable, individual agreements that minimise disruption.
However, in cases where disputes persist after such talks, FIFA will step in to mediate.
The governing body said any resolution will be guided by a detailed case-by-case assessment, taking into account: the timing of matches in the affected competitions,
the stage of those competitions,
the historical and expected involvement of the player(s), and
any other relevant sporting considerations.
The decision is expected to ease tensions between clubs and African national teams, particularly in Europe, where several domestic leagues and continental fixtures overlap with the AFCON schedule.
With preparations intensifying ahead of Morocco 2025, the new release date provides much-needed clarity as national team coaches begin final planning for Africa’s premier football competition.
