Angola’s head coach, Patrice Beaumelle, has strongly criticized FIFA. He is upset about the new player release schedule for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). FIFA now allows clubs to keep players until just one week before the tournament. Beaumelle warned this delay will disrupt national team preparations significantly.
The Controversial Player Release Date
Initially, national teams expected players by December 8. This would have provided nearly two weeks for training. AFCON 2025 preparations would have been smoother. However, FIFA moved the release date to December 15. This change is linked to pressure from top European clubs. These clubs are unwilling to release key players early. They face a busy schedule during that period.
Now, many African teams have only a few days with their full squads. The competition begins in Morocco on December 21. This tight window poses a major challenge for coaches and players alike.
Beaumelle Questions FIFA’s Commitment to Africa
Beaumelle strongly disagreed with this decision. He also questioned FIFA’s commitment to African football. “FIFA only needs Africa during elections,” Beaumelle stated. “It does not value our competitions like AFCON. They do not give them the recognition they deserve.”
The French coach emphasized AFCON’s importance. He argued it deserves respect equal to European or South American tournaments. Beaumelle described AFCON as one of football’s most passionate international events.
Potential Impact on AFCON Performance
He warned that the reduced preparation time could significantly impact team cohesion. It could also affect overall performance. This is especially true for teams with many overseas-based players. Integrating these players into the squad effectively becomes difficult with limited time.
AFCON 2025 will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The prestigious tournament is set to be held across various cities in Morocco.
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