The Africa Cup of Nations is frequently discussed concerning its effect on the Premier League, with scheduling often causing friction. CAF has tried to accommodate European clubs, but FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup and a packed calendar have forced the 2025 Afcon, originally in summer Morocco, to a late December start.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s actions suggest a disregard for African football, despite his rhetoric. Reduced player release times for the tournament highlight its marginalization. This compromise scheduling, coinciding with European winter breaks, affects Premier League clubs but underscores how global football’s greed pushes Afcon to the fringes.