The Confederation of African Football has unveiled significant regulatory changes for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco. These new guidelines emerged from a crucial virtual meeting between CAF officials and technical staff from all 24 qualified nations.
Key Regulatory Changes for AFCON 2025
African football's governing body has implemented four major adjustments that will shape how teams prepare for and participate in the continental championship. The tournament is set to run from December 23, 2025, to January 18, 2026, marking an exciting period for football enthusiasts across the continent.
The most notable change involves squad registration, where each nation can now register up to 28 players for the final tournament roster. This represents a significant expansion from previous editions and provides coaches with greater flexibility in team selection. However, all selected players must come from a preliminary 55-man squad submitted earlier in the qualification process.
Enhanced Support Staff and Logistics
Beyond player numbers, CAF has also addressed team support structures by allowing 17 staff members per national team. This allocation covers technical, administrative, and medical personnel, ensuring comprehensive support for competing squads throughout the tournament.
Logistical arrangements have also been refined, with teams permitted to arrive in Morocco up to five days before the opening ceremony. This extended preparation window aims to facilitate smoother acclimatization and final training sessions before the competition begins in earnest.
Player Release and Tournament Preparations
In a move that will please national team coaches, CAF has mandated that clubs must release players by December 8 for tournament participation. This regulation carries the weight of FIFA approval, ensuring compliance from clubs worldwide and providing national teams with adequate preparation time.
During the virtual workshop, participating teams received comprehensive briefings covering nearly all aspects of tournament organization and execution. The presentations addressed everything from accommodation arrangements to matchday procedures, creating a unified understanding among all stakeholders.
Team-Specific Developments and Concerns
Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr revealed during the meetings that he has already finalized his 28-player squad for the tournament, demonstrating early preparation despite the December 2025 start date.
Several delegations expressed concerns about maintaining focus during the tournament, specifically requesting measures to ensure quiet hotel environments. Teams want to prevent situations where fans or individuals close to players book rooms in the same establishments, potentially disrupting concentration.
Technical staff also requested permission for bench viewing during matches, similar to practices in major European leagues. However, CAF officials indicated that current provisions don't accommodate this feature.
Super Eagles Preparations Under Scrutiny
Meanwhile, Nigeria's Super Eagles face their own challenges ahead of the tournament. Coach Eric Chelle has begun his AFCON preparations by dropping three players from consideration: Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and one other unnamed player. This decision follows Nigeria's disappointing defeat against DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off matches.
The Nigeria Football Federation has reportedly issued a stern ultimatum to Coach Chelle, demanding that the team reach the AFCON final or face dismissal. This pressure adds significant stakes to Nigeria's campaign in Morocco.
In further concerning news for Nigerian fans, star striker Victor Osimhen faces uncertainty regarding his tournament participation. The Napoli forward sustained an injury during Nigeria's World Cup play-off final against DR Congo on November 16. Club medical staff have instructed that Osimhen should not play beyond the 70-minute mark in any matches as he continues recovery from an earlier injury suffered during qualifiers against Rwanda.
CAF has assured all stakeholders that efforts are underway to streamline the Fan ID process for supporters and officials attending the tournament. However, questions remain about journalist accreditation, with several media professionals reporting completed applications without approval.
As the December 2025 kickoff approaches, these new regulations and ongoing preparations set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
