AFCON: Players can stay with clubs until 3 January – FIFA

Footballers can now play for their clubs until 3 January before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations, says the Confederation of African Football.

Fifa rules state that clubs have to release players by 27 December for the tournament, which starts on 9 January.

But a letter from Fifa to the World Leagues Forum said Caf had agreed players can turn out in official games for their clubs up to 3 January.

“This decision is taken in the spirit of goodwill and solidarity,” said Fifa.