Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle has openly criticised FIFA for allowing clubs to release players just a week before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins, calling the decision disrespectful to African football.
The new directive, confirmed on Wednesday, reduces the mandatory release period from 14 days to seven — a significant shift from the usual arrangements for major international tournaments.
With the competition set to start on December 21, national teams will only receive their players from December 15, placing added pressure on coaches preparing for Africa’s flagship football event.
Beaumelle did not mince words, accusing the world governing body of sidelining African interests when decisions are made.
“FIFA only needs Africa during elections, but it doesn’t value our competitions like AFCON or give them the recognition they deserve,” Beaumelle said.
The rule means clubs, including Premier League outfits Liverpool, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Sunderland, will be free to keep their African players deep into the festive period before releasing them for national duty.
The tournament is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
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