A media report stated that the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has informed all clubs that they can retain their players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations until December 15th, before the players join their national teams in preparation for the tournament.

This decision provides European and Arab clubs with additional time to utilize their players during a busy period of matches before they join their national team camps to participate in the 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision is expected to ease the pressure on clubs, especially those that rely heavily on African players in their main squads, as there had been concerns about them leaving early in mid-December or even before that.

This measure will also help reduce the usual clashes between clubs and national teams before each edition of the tournament, giving the national teams only a few days to prepare before the competitions officially begin.

Morocco is scheduled to host the tournament from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.