FIFA has notified clubs that they may retain players selected for the Africa Cup of Nations until December 15, extending the deadline from the initial December 8 release date.
The extension was approved to accommodate European clubs but has prompted strong dissatisfaction from several African federations.
According to L’Équipe, multiple federations view the decision as a lack of respect, especially because many had already organized preparatory friendly matches ahead of the tournament.
One prominent example is Nigeria’s friendly against Egypt scheduled for December 14.
Key players such as Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah are expected to miss the match due to club commitments, with Osimhen and Salah set to play for Galatasaray and Liverpool respectively on December 13.
AFCON has repeatedly faced disrespect in the past, from public commentary to decisions by clubs and even players.
The tournament has often been derided with insulting labels, while some African players have chosen to forgo national duty.
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In 2023 Angolan forward Mbala Nzola rejected a call up to prioritize his season with Fiorentina. During the 2021 edition Watford refused to release Emmanuel Dennis for Nigeria.
Two years earlier the tension around the tournament was highlighted again when a journalist asked Sébastien Haller whether he would remain with his club or join the Ivory Coast for AFCON.
Haller was asked, “Would you prefer to stay with your club in January or play the AFCON?”
“This question shows the disrespect for Africa. Would this question ever get asked to a European player ahead of the EUROs? Of course I am going to the Africa Cup to represent Ivory Coast. That is the highest honour,” he remarked.
CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe has also faced allegations of altering AFCON’s traditional calendar to accommodate FIFA’s scheduling interests.
As frustrations grow, many believe CAF must take a firmer stance to ensure that AFCON receives the respect and recognition it deserves as Africa’s premier international football competition.
