Premier League clubs have received a major boost. FIFA has extended the release date for players heading to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Players can now stay with their clubs until December 15. This is a week longer than the previous deadline. The decision gives teams an extra seven days with their African stars. The tournament begins on December 21 in Morocco.

Clubs Benefit Ahead of Crucial Fixtures

This ruling comes at an opportune moment for several clubs. Sunderland, for instance, faced a major challenge. Their first Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle in nine years is set for December 14. Without this extension, they risked missing several key players. Now, all seven of their AFCON-bound first-team players will be available.

Manchester United also stands to benefit. They might have Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui. These players could feature in their home game against Bournemouth on December 15. However, their participation on the exact release date remains uncertain. Liverpool will keep Mohamed Salah for their December 13 match against Brighton. Omar Marmoush will also be available for Crystal Palace’s fixture against Manchester City a day later.

Who Will Be Most Affected?

Around 45 Premier League players are expected to leave for AFCON. Interestingly, Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds, and Newcastle will not lose any squad members. Newcastle had concerns about Yoane Wissa. However, the injured striker was not selected by DR Congo.

Sunderland faces the biggest impact during the festive period. Chemesdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, and Habib Diarra will all join their national teams. Wolves, currently at the bottom of the league, could lose up to five players. Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are each expected to lose four.

Lobbying Efforts Pay Off

Manchester United was among the clubs lobbying for this extension. Clubs were mindful of the consequences. Players whose nations reach the final on January 18 could miss many club fixtures. This includes up to eight league games and an FA Cup third-round tie.

Past instances show players sometimes join late despite FIFA’s official deadline. Andre Onana, though not in Cameroon’s current squad, notably delayed his arrival for the 2023 tournament. He stayed to play for Manchester United against Tottenham.