Premier League clubs could delay releasing players for AFCON
LONDON - The Africa Cup of Nations is set to start in Cameroon on January 9, shortly after a busy festive period in the Premier League has concluded. The date that players will need to be released by teams is unclear after the World Leagues Forum ( WLF) wrote to FIFA and African governing bodies to say players should not have to go until January 3.
The tournament starts in Cameroon on January 9, with Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe among those set to take part.
FIFA’s regulations state that players have to be made available from December 27, but the organisation representing the world’s leading domestic leagues has pushed back on that date.
“We consider that the FIFA rule must be adapted,” the World Leagues Forum ( WLF) wrote in a letter to FIFA and African governing bodies.
"In order to mitigate the impact of the decisions made on the AFCON, we consider that the release of players shall start on January 3 for those clubs and players having matches before then.
"We also consider that any sanction imposed by FIFA will be deemed abusive, null and void.
"We take this opportunity to stress that all our clubs release players for these national team matches for free while still paying their salaries. This makes it possible for CAF to generate revenues and commercialise all rights into the AFCON to fully invest in the development of African football.
"Our clubs gladly commit to this solidarity scheme. But in consideration, we expect decisions not to be made in isolation by FIFA and CAF.”
WLF general secretary Jerome Perlemuter also said FIFA’s regulations in this instance are “unreasonable and disproportionate” for many clubs whose domestic leagues are ongoing.
With Premier League clubs playing three games in less than a week after Christmas Day, having key players available for a few more days could be vitally important.
Salah, Mane and Keita would be available for Liverpool’s games against Leicester on December 28 and Chelsea on January 2, the day before the WLF’s proposed release date.
Chelsea would have Mendy available to face Liverpool, while Arsenal would have Partey, Aubameyang and Pepe for games against Manchester City and Wolves.
Crystal Palace would also benefit as Wilfried Zaha, Jeffrey Schlupp, Cheikhou Kouyate and Jordan Ayew are set to play at AFCON.
There has been speculation that the already-delayed AFCON might be postponed for a second time because of the Covid-19 pandemic and concern over the Omnicron variant.
However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said earlier this week that it will go ahead as planned.
“I will be in Cameroon on January 7 with my wife and kids to witness this incredible competition," he said.
"You can see that there's a huge commitment and a focus to make sure that there's good progress.
"We are going to host with the people of Cameroon an exceptional tournament. It will be the most successful AFCON. We are ready to show the world the best of African football and African hospitality.
"This tournament is important for the people of Africa and I'm so proud and so excited with the work done."
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LONDON — He is only six months into his stint with Roma, but Jose Mourinho has already held talks about taking the Nigeria job, according to reports from the country.
The Super Eagles are on the lookout for a new coach after parting company with Gernot Rohr ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations next year, with president Amaju Pinnick targeting a manager who can bring the trophy home again.
Pinnick is certainly ambitious and claims he has already had a discussion with the former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham boss about taking the post, in quotes reported by Nigerian outlet the
“Of course (Jose) Mourinho — I am not going to tell you we didn't talk to Mourinho because we did and the (sports) minister also talked to Mourinho and there is nothing wrong with it.
“If the coach will give us the Nations Cup, he will be drafted in immediately. I am not going to tell you that it will be later, because of what essence is the recruitment? If the executive committee says yes and we are ready, what are we waiting for?
Mourinho has only just signed a three-year deal with Roma, joining them in May - setting out his ambition to build a 'winning project' over the next few years.