The return of the AFCON to a biennial schedule will weigh on Premier League clubs, who will lose their African internationals every two years instead of every four, including Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Mohammed Kudus.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) calendar has just changed pace. According to OneFootball, the return to an AFCON every two years, rather than every four, means Premier League sides will have to do without their African internationals twice as often, in the middle of the European season.
Four names are cited by the outlet: Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Mohammed Kudus. The report also mentions Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham and Bayern Munich (loan) among the clubs concerned, without detailing the link between each player and his club.
A schedule that weighs on squads
OneFootball points out that the AFCON has often been played in the middle of the European season, which complicates the calendar for clubs with African internationals. With a biennial AFCON, this overlap would recur more often.
For the clubs concerned, the challenge is to manage the absence of their internationals at key moments of the season. The report records no official reaction from the Premier League or the clubs at this stage.
CAF defends its players
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), chaired by Patrice Motsepe, justifies its decision by protecting the interests of African players plying their trade outside the continent, according to The Guardian.
The calendar unveiled by The Guardian covers the period 2027-2033: an AFCON in 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, then in 2028, 2031 and 2033. According to Goal.com, the expanded 32-team Club World Cup in June-July 2026 led CAF to keep the AFCON in the middle of the European season.
Next up: June-July 2027
The next edition is scheduled from 19 June to 18 July 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. This summer slot falls outside the European season, but it does not settle the question of the biennial rhythm, since other editions are planned for 2028, 2031 and 2033.
For Mbeumo, Jackson, Ndiaye and Kudus, the question will therefore arise at close intervals. The report does not say how Premier League clubs plan to organise themselves in the face of this new rhythm.