Uganda head coach, Paul Put, has criticized FIFA following the world football governing body’s decision to allow clubs to retain their players until just a week before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations begins.
Previously, clubs were required to release their players for the tournament by December 8.
However, FIFA later extended the deadline to December 15, reportedly following pressure from European clubs.
Put Slams FIFA
Put acknowledged that the revised ruling has unsettled Uganda’s preparations.
“We received a message from FIFA that we can only have the players abroad on the 16th or 17th. I had hoped to get them from the 8th. Now we will be with half the team until then,” Put told the Uganda Football Federation official website.
“It becomes very difficult to make good preparation but we will deal with it. It is unfortunate but it is like this.”
On Disrupted Tactical Planning
The coach highlighted that extended pre-tournament periods are usually crucial for developing tactical and technical strategies.
“All the plans you make for months move far away. You prepare yourself mentally and you brief the players on what to improve. Now it becomes the same as qualification because there is no time,” Put added.
