European Clubs Lament Afcon Timing

Managers across Europe have voiced their concerns over the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations and the effect it has on their teams. The tournament – which kicks off on Saturday – features 368 players from clubs in 55 countries, resulting in key players leaving their clubs at a crucial period of the season. 

This year’s AFCON has been met with increased complaints as the staging of the tournament has moved from even to odd years, resulting in a gap of less than twelve months since the last competition. 

French clubs have been most affected by the tournament with 50 players leaving club duty to compete for their country in the three week tournament. 15 players will leave from the English Premier League, 10 from La Liga in Spain and 6 from Serie A in Italy. Clubs from Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, China and Japan are also affected.

FIFA rules state that clubs must release players 14 days ahead of the event.