The new AFCON dates confirmed that clash with the Premier League’s busiest month – Liverpool FC

The next iteration of the Africa Cup of Nations has officially been moved to dates that clash with the Premier League’s busiest month, sparking fresh concerns.

Although the AFCON is now nominally scheduled for the summer, two of the last three tournaments were forced to move to the winter due to adverse weather conditions.

For clubs in Europe, this creates problems with releasing players for AFCON when they are still playing in domestic and continental competitions.

Liverpool have felt this in recent years with the absence of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and, to a lesser extent, Naby Keita.

That could happen again in 2025/26, with the next AFCON to be held in Morocco now confirmed to have been moved between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026.

The tournament was originally moved from the summer to avoid conflict with FIFA’s new Club World Cup, while further consideration was given to an expanded Champions League.

It means the AFCON will take place during one of the Premier League’s busiest periods, clashing with festive fixtures as clubs face the prospect of losing key players.

While it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will be affected, with Salah being the only eligible player currently in the squad and his contract expiring next summer, it will remain a lingering question.

The Press Association reported earlier this month that clubs could block players from appearing at AFCON 2025 or the 2026 World Cup due to FIFA rules.

Their regulations state that “it is not mandatory to release the same player to more than one ‘A’ national team final competition per year.”

With the World Cup being held in the off-season, the obvious decision for clubs would be to decline invitations from African nations to the AFCON.

It’s a messy situation that could make clubs think twice when exploring deals for African players, given the regular impact on their availability.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for West Ham Ghana striker Mohammed Kudus this summer, with the club expected to open talks with Salah over a contract extension.