FIFA Confirm Official Release Date for Players Competing at AFCON, Including Two Manchester City Stars
FIFA has confirmed the official release date for players participating in the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. Premier League clubs are set to face significant absences as international duty calls, though Manchester City will lose only two players.
City Stars Heading to AFCON
Manchester City will see Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush depart for their national teams. Ait-Nouri will join Algeria, alongside former City star Riyad Mahrez, while Marmoush will link up with Egypt, joining Mohamed Salah. The Pharaohs have a decorated AFCON history, winning the tournament eight times, most recently in 2010, while Algeria have triumphed in 1990 and 2019, with other notable finishes including second in 1980 and third in 1984 and 1988.
The official release date for all players competing in AFCON has been set for December 15. This means that Marmoush and Ait-Nouri will leave City immediately after their final Premier League fixtures before the tournament begins.
Impact on Manchester City
Despite losing only two players, the absence of Marmoush will place additional strain on Pep Guardiola’s attacking options. With Erling Haaland being the only other senior forward, City’s squad depth will be tested during a busy December schedule. Marmoush has contributed nine goals in 37 appearances for the Citizens, many coming off the bench, and was a key scorer in last season’s Premier League, including a strike that won Goal of the Season against Bournemouth.
City had initially hoped to retain Marmoush for a friendly against Crystal Palace on December 14, but the release date means he will be unavailable for up to 10 matches while at AFCON.
Premier League Context
While Manchester City will lose only two players, other Premier League clubs face larger absences. Sunderland is expected to miss seven players, including five first-team regulars, while Wolves, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace could lose four each. Manchester United will be without three key players: Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo.
FAQs
• When do Manchester City players have to leave for AFCON?
FIFA has set the release date as December 15, 2025.
• Which City players are heading to AFCON?
Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria) and Omar Marmoush (Egypt).
• How will Marmoush’s absence affect City?
With Erling Haaland as the only other senior forward, Guardiola’s attacking options will be limited during AFCON, testing squad depth in the Premier League and other competitions.
• How long will the City players be away?
Players will likely miss up to 10 matches while competing in the tournament, including Premier League and cup fixtures.
• Are other Premier League clubs affected by AFCON?
Yes, clubs like Sunderland, Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Manchester United will also lose key players to the tournament.
Conclusion
The December 15 release date for AFCON highlights the balancing act for Premier League clubs, particularly Manchester City. While the loss of only two players is manageable, Marmoush’s absence will put pressure on Guardiola’s attacking resources. City must adapt quickly, relying on squad depth and tactical flexibility to navigate the busy December and maintain their title challenge. Meanwhile, other clubs will also feel the impact of international duty, ensuring AFCON 2025/26 plays a pivotal role in the mid-season Premier League landscape.
