The head coach of Angola’s national team has criticised FIFA for its recent stance on player release ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He expressed frustration that many clubs may not allow African players to join their national teams early enough for proper preparation. According to him, this decision could weaken African teams and affect the quality of the tournament.

The coach explained that AFCON is a major competition that requires full commitment from players and their clubs. He said African nations often struggle because European clubs delay releasing their players until the last minute. This, he argued, is unfair and shows a lack of respect for African football compared to other global tournaments.

He also warned that the situation could create tension between national teams and clubs. Without enough time for training camps and tactical preparations, he believes teams will be at a disadvantage. He called on CAF and African football leaders to push back against FIFA’s position and ensure equal treatment for AFCON, just like the World Cup and other major events.

Football fans across Africa reacted strongly to the coach’s statement. Many agreed that African tournaments deserve the same support and recognition as competitions in Europe and South America. They urged FIFA to review the decision so that AFCON 2025 can be a fair and exciting tournament for all participating nations.