CAN 2025: FIFA makes new decision regarding player release from clubs

CAN 2025

FIFA backtracks just three weeks before CAN 2025 in Morocco. A new date has been set for the release of players from their clubs.

CAN 2025 will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. However, in recent hours, FIFA has once again shaken up the calendar. While federations and European clubs were expecting to release called-up players around December 8 or 11, the world football governing body has ultimately granted clubs the right to keep their internationals until December 15. This decision was confirmed in a press conference by Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, who stated that Mohamed Salah will leave on that date.

For African national teams, this decision comes at a bad time. With the departure date pushed back to the 15th, federations will have to shorten their preparation: final squad lists to submit, logistics to manage, acclimatization, and reduced training sessions. For some teams, it’s a serious handicap. But for the clubs, it’s a welcome relief: they can count on their players a little longer, preserving sporting continuity and competitiveness.