Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle has aimed at FIFA after the world soccer ruling body permitted clubs to hold on to their players until just one week before the kick-off of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Clubs were earlier mandated to release players for the competition on December 8.

FIFA has now moved the date to December 15 following pressure from European clubs.

The change is expected to disrupt the preparations of the majority of the teams.

Beaumelle criticised FIFA for failing to give African football the respect it deserves.

“FIFA only needs Africa during elections, but it doesn’t value our competitions like AFCON or give them the recognition they deserve,” he said.

The AFCON 2025 finals are scheduled to run from 21 December 2025 to January 18, 2026.