The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), scheduled to be held in Morocco, faces uncertainty due to a FIFA regulation regarding the release of players for international competitions. Set to conclude in late 2025 and commence in early 2026, this edition coincides with the World Cup.
According to FIFA rules, clubs are not obliged to release their players if they participate in two major tournaments within the same year. This could lead European clubs to withhold their African players during the CAN in Morocco, citing their involvement in the summer 2026 World Cup.
The absence of players from European leagues could significantly impact the performances of African national teams. Moreover, the December to January period is crucial for domestic leagues and European competitions, making clubs even more reluctant to release their players.
Scheduling the CAN for January-February 2025, its traditional period, could have avoided conflict with the World Cup and eased tensions with European clubs. However, this option was dismissed, influenced by Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Additionally, Moroccan sports infrastructure requires significant upgrades to meet international standards, posing significant logistical challenges. This situation highlights tensions between sporting considerations and political and economic interests within African football, with Morocco playing a pivotal role in this decision.
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