CAF, FIFA Agree In Principle To Change Timing For 2025 AFCON

By: Gyang Dakwo

An agreement has been struck in principle by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) for the summer hosting of the AFCON 2025.

It therefore means there is a chance the competition may take place in mid-July or mid-August 2025.

The scheduling of the AFCON has long been problematic, primarily for European teams whose important African players leave for the competition mid- season. Top European club owners and coaches have criticised the competition, which is always held in January or February.

The 2019 edition of the AFCON in Egypt was the last to take place in the summer.

For European clubs, this would undoubtedly be a good development in light of the accord reached by CAF and FIFA.

In the meanwhile, the preliminary round of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers will start in March 2024.