By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 4th December 2025
FIFA Sets December 15 as Mandatory Release Date for AFCON 2025 Players
FIFA has officially confirmed Monday, 15 December 2025 as the mandatory release date for all players heading to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The global body announced the decision on Wednesday, describing it as the outcome of “fruitful consultations” with key stakeholders and reflective of a “spirit of solidarity” with CAF.
The updated release window shortens the standard period by seven days, following the same model used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to FIFA, the adjustment aims to reduce disruption for clubs competing in tight domestic and international calendars, while still ensuring national teams receive their players in time to prepare adequately for the tournament.
In its statement, FIFA encouraged clubs and Member Associations to engage in good-faith bilateral discussions to establish individual agreements for players whose clubs remain active in continental competitions during the release window. Where disagreements arise, FIFA will step in to mediate, applying case-by-case guidelines that consider competition schedules, the stage of tournaments, and the player’s historical or expected involvement.
The 2025 AFCON, hosted by Morocco, will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. With the release date now set, African national teams can begin finalizing their preparations, while clubs across the world adjust their squad planning ahead of the festive period.
