AFCON 2025: FIFA Don’t Rate Our Competition — Angola Coach Beaumelle Blasts Player-Release Adjustment

AFCON 2025: FIFA Don’t Rate Our Competition — Angola Coach Beaumelle Blasts Player-Release Adjustment

Sampson Adedeji

Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle has criticised FIFA over its decision to shift the mandatory player-release date for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that the global body continues to undermine African football, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

FIFA recently moved the release date from December 8 to December 15, a change widely attributed to pressure from European clubs.

The adjustment has sparked complaints from several African stakeholders who argue it disrupts team preparations just days before the tournament kicks off in Morocco.

Beaumelle did not mince words as he expressed his frustration. “FIFA only needs Africa during elections, but it doesn’t value our competitions like AFCON or give them the recognition they deserve,” he said.

The Frenchman stressed that AFCON remains one of the world’s most vibrant and passionate football events and deserves the same respect given to major tournaments in Europe and South America.

With the 2025 edition set to begin on December 21, African coaches are concerned that the reduced preparation window could affect team cohesion and performance an issue that continues to fuel long-standing debates about how global football institutions treat the African game.