Shocker! Clubs Threaten To Terminate Players’ Contracts If They Depart For AFCON

Shocker! Clubs Threaten To Terminate Players’ Contracts If They Depart For AFCON

Sampson Adedeji

In a shocking development ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, two foreign clubs have reportedly threatened to terminate the contracts of Uganda Cranes stars Melvyn Lorenzen and Timothy Awany if they choose to join their national team for the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports

According to National Teams Officer Paul Mukatabala, Thai side Muangthong United and Israeli outfit FC Ashdod have issued warnings to Lorenzen and Awany, respectively, insisting that leaving for AFCON could lead to immediate cancellation of their deals.

The revelation has sparked outrage among African football stakeholders, as clubs are required under FIFA regulations to release players for international duty during official windows and major tournaments.

The Uganda Cranes are currently finalizing preparations for the continental showpiece, and the potential loss of key players due to club pressure poses a major setback.

Mukatabala condemned the threats, stressing that players must be allowed to represent their country without fear of punitive action from their employers. Further communication is expected between the Uganda FA, the concerned clubs, and FIFA to resolve the matter.

AFCON 2025 is scheduled to kick off in Morocco, with participating nations already dealing with release-date controversies and club country tensions.