FIFA has confirmed players can stay with their clubs until December 15, a week before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

This decision will greatly help global clubs, particularly in Europe, who were concerned about losing important players too early during the busiest part of the football season.

Twenty-four teams will compete for the African football crown at the 35th AFCON, which starts on December 21 in Morocco. The new FIFA release schedule gives national team coaches less time to prepare.

Even with this difficulty, the governing body made clear that the change aims to balance club needs and national team requirements, particularly in a month with important league games.

AFCON’s timing has historically clashed with the usual international schedule, leading to conflicts about player access.