CAN 2021: players can be retained by their club until January 3
The African Cup of Nations trophy during CAN 2019 won by Algeria against Senegal, in Cairo (Egypt) on July 19, 2019 Giuseppe CACACE AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
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International players concerned by the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon (January 9 - February 6) will be able to play with their club until January 3, announced the International Football Federation (Fifa) this Sunday, December 26, 2021.
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While the official date of release of players for the selections participating in the CAN was initially December 27, the African Football Confederation (CAF) now allows clubs to keep their players until January 3 inclusive, says FIFA in a letter addressed to the European Association of Clubs (ECA), leagues and European federations.
The English clubs, which play several days of the championship between now and January 3, and their French counterparts who will play the round of 16 of the Coupe de France (January 2 and 3) are particularly concerned.
"
This decision is taken in a spirit of goodwill and solidarity with the clubs concerned given the fact that they have been affected by the upsurge in Covid cases
," FIFA writes in its letter.
A truncated preparation
Last week,
the ECA threatened not to release international players for CAN
, worrying about the health protocol of the event against the backdrop of a pandemic.
In addition to the health protocol of the tournament, the ECA especially pointed out the risk of an absence of internationals longer than the period of availability provided for, due to “
quarantines and travel restrictions
” linked in particular to the emergence of the Omicron variant. of the coronavirus.
This concession from CAF is not without consequence for the selections which will be deprived of several players during their preparations.
Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria and Morocco are particularly penalized.
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