FIFA Confirms Delayed AFCON Release Date — Blow for Coaches as Overseas Stars Join Late
A long-exposure image of FIFA’s logo outside its Zurich headquarters has become symbolic once again of a major scheduling decision. FIFA on Wednesday confirmed that clubs will only be required to release players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from 15 December, a full week later than the usual international release period.
The decision — taken in consultation with CAF and other stakeholders — mirrors the approach used at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and is intended to “reduce the impact on various parties.” But for national teams, it creates a familiar headache. With AFCON kicking off on 21 December 2025 and running until 18 January 2026, coaches will have less than one week to assemble full squads, complete tactical work, and acclimatise.
FIFA also urged clubs and national federations to negotiate “appropriate individual solutions” where scheduling conflicts arise, though it warned it may step in as mediator if disputes continue.
While the UEFA Champions League window runs until 10 December, the biggest impact will be felt in Africa, where many teams rely heavily on foreign-based players.
Impact on South Africa and players abroad
The South African domestic league will shut down earlier to accommodate AFCON preparations, meaning local-based players will join camp on time. However, several overseas-based Bafana Bafana stars — especially those in England, Norway, Belgium, Saudi Arabia and Romania — will only be released after 15 December, cutting preparation time drastically.
These include:
Lyle Foster (Burnley)
Tylon Smith (QPR)
Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB)
Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK)
Siphephelo Sithole (Tondela)
Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq)
Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem)
Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge)
For a squad built on a blend of PSL consistency and rising European talent, late arrivals could disrupt tactical cohesion.
South Africa’s AFCON 2025 Squad (Provisional)
Goalkeepers
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC)
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy)
Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB)
Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK)
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
Siphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
Forwards
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Mohau Nkota (El Ettifaq)
Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
Lyle Foster (Burnley FC)
Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates)
Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem)
Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge)
Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)