AFCON 2025: Angola Coach Slams FIFA for Undervaluing Tournament with Seven-Day Player Release Decision

 

Angola's head coach, Patrice Beaumelle, has expressed strong criticism of FIFA’s recent decision to allow football clubs to retain players from AFCON-qualified nations until just seven days before the tournament begins.

Beaumelle’s remarks came in response to FIFA’s announcement on Wednesday, which overrides the previous rule requiring clubs to release players at least 14 days before the start of international tournaments on the FIFA calendar.

“FIFA only values Africa during election time but doesn’t appreciate our competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or give them the recognition they deserve,” Beaumelle said.

The decision further entrenches an already uneven power dynamic, granting European clubs greater control over African players and often preventing them from joining their national teams until the tournament has already started. Under the previous rule, clubs were obliged to release players two weeks before the tournament.

However, FIFA has decided to set aside this rule, instead encouraging African nations to engage in “bilateral discussions in good faith” to find individual solutions. In cases where disputes remain unresolved after such discussions, FIFA has stated it will mediate, considering various factors including the timing of matches, the player’s involvement in the competition, and other relevant circumstances.

This year’s AFCON kicks off on December 21, but with the new policy in place, top African players may not be released until just a week before the tournament starts. Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, and Manchester United are among those who will not face any sanctions if they retain their African players until December 15, 2025.

The decision may cause significant disruptions for the tournament hosts, Morocco, who have up to 19 players currently playing in Europe. Defending champions Ivory Coast are likely to be the most affected, with as many as 23 of their players based in European clubs.

Beaumelle and other African coaches now face the challenge of preparing their teams with fewer available players, raising concerns about the fairness and integrity of the competition.

Source: theghanareport.com