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European Clubs Cite Dec. 15 AFCON Release Date, Await FIFA Confirmation

African federations say late notice upended planned camps after preparing for an earlier handover.

Overview

  • French media report an ECA–FIFA meeting produced a practical shift from an early‑December release to December 15, though no formal FIFA communication has been issued.
  • Several clubs have informed federations directly, creating uncertainty for players who had expected to report to national teams around December 6–8.
  • Liverpool coach Arne Slot said Mohamed Salah will join Egypt on December 15, stating he believes FIFA set that as the release deadline.
  • National teams that scheduled training camps and friendlies for December 8–9 now face cancellations and added costs as plans are reworked.
  • OM sporting director Medhi Benatia says the club intends to keep call‑ups through December 15 for matches on December 9 and 14, with local reporting indicating only Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang and Nayef Aguerd are likely to be released before then.