The World Leagues Forum (WLF) has written to global soccer governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), saying they will not release players for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) until January 3.
FIFA rules state clubs must release players for AFCON by 27 December, which is 13 days before the tournament begins. The WLF said the date was “inappropriate and disproportionate” for many clubs and players taking action this month.
The WLF, which represents more than 40 professional leagues, said they had written twice to FIFA and the CAF last month, but did not receive a reply and that any punishment for not releasing players would be “null and void”. .
“As indicated in our unanswered letter dated 19 November, more than a month ago, we believe that FIFA has adapted the rule,” WLF Secretary General Jerome Perlemuter wrote in a letter sent on Thursday and seen by Reuters. should be done.”
“As a result, in order to minimize the impact of the decisions made on AFCON, we believe that the release of players will begin on January 3 for those clubs and players whose matches will be held first.
“We will also consider that any sanctions imposed by FIFA will be deemed defamatory, null and void.”
Reuters has contacted FIFA and CAF for comment.
While most European leagues close for the winter break, the English Premier League has scheduled three rounds of games between Boxing Day on 26 December and the first week of January.
The Africa Cup of Nations runs from January 9 to February. 6. It was changed back to its traditional slot in January and February at Cameroon’s request to avoid the rainy season.
The WLF stressed clubs were freeing players “while still paying their salaries” for a tournament to be held in the winter against the CAF’s initial commitment to play the finals in 2017 (to play the finals in June and July).
The 2019 tournament, won by Algeria, was held in the June–July period which is a close season for most leagues.
“Our clubs are happily committed to this solidarity scheme. But with that in mind, we expect that FIFA and CAF will not make separate decisions. We call for more dialogue and cooperation in matters relating to the match calendar.”
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