THE Africa Cup of Nations could move to June or July – a major boost for Premier League clubs fed up with losing star players in mid-season.
African football chiefs are ready to act after a rising number of players opted to miss the latest tournament, held every two years in January and February.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was frustrated by his centre-back Eric Bailly‘s injury for Ivory Coast as he struggled to field a settled defence in his first season at Old Trafford.
Liverpool‘s Senegal striker Sadio Mane and Leicester‘s Alergia playmaker Riyad Mahrez were among the other big Prem names to compete in Gabon.
And the regular club-vs-country rows got worse this year, while seven Cameroonians refused to play for the eventual tournament winners.
Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Ahmad Ahmad opening a meeting in Morocco today by admitting new dates must be considered.
He said: “That is the first thing to talk about – we can’t get away from it.
“We are here for a historic chapter and to effect great changes… We have already had a lot of suggestions.”
most read in football
But the tournament could also rise is size from 16 nations to 24.
That could alarm clubs who already feel their players come back from the tournament tired.
Leicester, Stoke and Sunderland were the Prem clubs hit hardest by this year's three-week event.
Each lost three stars amid a Prem total of more than 20 players.
Previous Caf president Issa Hayatou claimed weather in some parts of Africa meant January and February was the only suitable time to host the event.
Keep up to date with ALL the transfer news and gossip on our blog
Leave a comment