Source:REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
[Saba Sports News] According to UK media reports, FIFA has agreed to extend the deadline for Premier League clubs to release players for the Africa Cup of Nations by one week, until December 15. This is good news for teams facing a busy schedule during the Christmas period. The adjustment means that Sunderland’s seven key players will be able to participate in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle on December 14. Liverpool will also be able to use Mohamed Salah in their match against Brighton, while Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are expected to feature in the game against Bournemouth. The Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on December 21 in Morocco, and it is anticipated that 45 Premier League players will leave for the tournament. Sunderland is the most affected club, having seven players called up, while bottom-ranked Wolves will lose five players. If the participating players’ national teams advance to the final on January 18, they could miss up to eight matches, including a third-round match in the FA Cup. In contrast, Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds, and Newcastle do not have any players participating in this tournament.