FIFA confirms clubs can delay AFCON-bound players' release until January 3

The players who will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations can now be released a bit later than usual, FIFA has confirmed.

Usually, the players playing in Europe had to leave for the competition before the end of the year – but clubs can now keep them until January 3.

This gives a boost to the likes of Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea - who will have their respective players available for the New Year’s Day games.

Speaking on the decision to delay the players’ release, FIFA deputy secretary general Mattias Grafström said: “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.”

The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to kick-start on January 9, with the final scheduled to take place on February 6.

Source: Associated Press