Ian Kisoti
The Confederation of African Football on Sunday stated that confirmed clubs can delay the release of players to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) until January 3.
According to FIFA’s rules, the clubs have to release players by December 27 for the tournament commencing on January 9, 2022.
“CAF has decided that for those players who have official club matches between the 27 December 2021 and 3 January 2022, the participating member associations in question are to be directed that these players may remain with their clubs to participate in these matches and be released after the last match during this period,” FIFA deputy secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said.
The tournament’s timing comes in the middle of club season in Europe, where majority of players involved in the tournament play the club football.
Photo Grid: Ian Kisoti
FIFA stated that CAF had decided to offer relief to the clubs affected.
“It is also assumed that a spirit of mutual cooperation remains between CAF and all relevant stakeholders in this regard, including related to the release of players and the provision of sporting exemptions to travel and quarantine restrictions if required in the future,” it said.
Some of the 40 internationals expected to play in the tournament include Thomas Partey, Eric Bailly, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Edouard Mendy.
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