Overview
- FIFA confirmed the AFCON release period now begins Monday, December 15, shortening the window by seven days after consultations with CAF to limit club disruption.
- Manchester United are in talks with three national federations to determine if Mazraoui, Amad and Mbeumo can feature against Bournemouth on the day the release takes effect.
- Uncertainty persists over whether the December 15 requirement is uniform for all call-ups or could align with each nation’s first match, creating scope for case-by-case outcomes.
- Ruben Amorim said he remains unsure when the trio will depart, noting only that they will play United’s next game at Wolves as he awaits guidance.
- League-wide assessments indicate uneven impact during AFCON, with Sunderland likely to lose seven players, Wolves potentially four, and no expected losses for Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds or Newcastle; tournament play runs December 21–31 with the final on January 18.