FIFA has announced that clubs with players participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be allowed to retain them until December 15, with players required to join their national teams a week before the tournament begins.

In a statement on Wednesday, FIFA said, “The FIFA Council office has made a decision regarding the mandatory release of players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.”

The statement added, “This decision comes following constructive discussions led by FIFA and various stakeholders, and thanks to an approach adopted by the Confederation of African Football based on solidarity to reduce the impact on all parties involved.”

It continued, “In line with the same principle applied during the 2022 World Cup, the release period will be shortened to seven days, starting Monday, December 15, 2025.”