FIFA has introduced a new adjustment, benefiting Man United

02/12/2025 11:54:00 PlaymakerHub

With the possibility of having to send players to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Premier League teams were given a 'present' from FIFA.

The Premier League has just received a significant morale boost as FIFA decided to extend the deadline for releasing players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Instead of players having to join their national teams on December 8 as originally planned, clubs are now allowed to keep their players until December 15, providing a major advantage during the congested end-of-year schedule.

This new regulation is considered great news for many English teams, especially Liverpool and Manchester United, who have numerous key players representing African national teams. Since AFCON starts on December 21 in Morocco, FIFA's decision gives clubs extra time to prepare and maintain squad strength before entering crucial matches.

Trong quá khứ, Onana đã từng xin vắng mặt trận đầu tiên tại AFCON để có thể thi đấu cho Man United trong trận gặp Tôttenham. (Ảnh: Goal) — In the past, Onana requested to miss the first AFCON match in order to play for Manchester United against Tottenham. (Photo: Goal)

One of the biggest beneficiaries is Sunderland. Facing the risk of losing up to seven first-team players for AFCON, the new ruling means all seven stars will be available for the Tyne–Wear derby against Newcastle on December 14. This is the first Premier League meeting between the two teams in nine years, so keeping almost the full squad is extremely important.

Manchester United also hope to field a stronger lineup in their home game against Bournemouth on December 15. Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are all AFCON participants, but the extension might allow them to play. However, their participation remains uncertain as the match falls on FIFA’s new deadline.

Bộ đôi Mbeumo-Amad là hai quân bài quá quan trọng với Amorim trong giai đoạn giáng sinh. (Ảnh: Goal) — The duo Mbeumo-Amad are vital assets for Amorim during the Christmas period. (Photo: Goal)

Liverpool also benefit by still being able to use Mohamed Salah in the match against Brighton on December 13. Salah was benched by coach Jurgen Klopp in the win over West Ham, but he remains a key player for the Merseyside club in the final stretch before Christmas. For Manchester City, Omar Marmoush will also feature in their away game at Crystal Palace.

Statistics show that 45 Premier League players are set to participate in AFCON. Only four clubs—Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds, and Newcastle—have no players called up for the tournament. Sunderland is the most affected with seven players summoned. Wolves, sitting bottom and winless after 13 rounds, could lose up to five players, making their relegation battle even tougher.

Sunderland là đội bóng bị ảnh hưởng nhiều nhất bởi AFCON khi phải nhả đến 7 cái tên trong đội hình chính. (Ảnh: Goal) — Sunderland is the club most impacted by AFCON, having to release seven key first-team players. (Photo: Goal)

Manchester United is among the clubs actively urging FIFA to postpone the release deadline to lessen the negative impact on their squad. If they reach the AFCON final on January 18, players might miss up to eight matches plus the FA Cup third-round tie.

The decision by FIFA is regarded as a sensible adjustment helping domestic leagues, especially the Premier League,to avoid a personnel crisis in December, a period traditionally packed with fixtures.

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