Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, have received a timely boost thanks to a new FIFA ruling that allows them to retain players for an additional week before the Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament, set to kick off on December 21, involves several Premier League stars.
FIFA has now confirmed that clubs are not obliged to release their players for the competition until December 15, a week later than originally planned.
This adjustment means that top talents like Mohamed Salah will remain available for Premier League fixtures over the weekend of December 13-14.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said, “He’ll go on December 15.”
The Kop boss added, “The way we have worked is that there’s a communication between all three – the player, the club and country. That’s nothing new. But FIFA have said December 15 is last day player has to be released.”
Whether the revised deadline will allow Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui to feature in their clash with Bournemouth on December 15 remains uncertain.
It’s not just Liverpool and United that stand to benefit.
Newly-promoted Sunderland, the Premier League side most affected by the tournament, could see up to seven of their players now available for the Wear-Tyne Derby against Newcastle United on December 14.
