By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
FIFA has been criticised by Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle over its decision to shift the mandatory player-release date for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The world’s soccer govering body announced on Wednesday clubs can keep their players until a week before the start of the biennial competition.
Players were initially expected to be released by their respective clubs on December 8.
Following the new directive, they can stay until December 15 before joining the national teams.
The decision contradicts FIFA’s own standard 14-day compulsory release period for major international competitions.
Beaumelle declared that the decision by FIFA show a lack of respect for African football.
“FIFA only needs Africa during elections, but it doesn’t value our competitions like AFCON or give them the recognition they deserve,” he said.
The AFCON 2025 finals will run from 21 December, 2025 to January 18, 2026.
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