sports
December 19, 2025
Anger spreads over Afcon schedule as Morocco seek to end half-century wait
Fifa’s lack of concern for African football’s key money-spinner has led to inadequate preparation time
TL;DR
- The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is being held over the Christmas and New Year period for the first time since its inception in 1957.
- Coaches are expressing anger over shortened pre-tournament preparation time, reduced to less than seven days from two weeks.
- Fifa set December 15th as the player release date, following discussions with European clubs, impacting team readiness for the Afcon.
- Fifa president Gianni Infantino previously described Afcon as 'useless' and suggested it be played every four years.
- Caf's financial model, seeking over $1bn in media and marketing rights, relies on a biennial Afcon.
- Morocco is hosting the tournament and aims to win it before co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.
- Morocco has not won Afcon since 1976, and their current coach, Walid Regragui, faces pressure to secure a win after the national team's World Cup semi-final appearance.
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