premier league clubs are optimistic African Nations Cup will be postponed

Premier League clubs believe next month’s Africa Cup of Nations will be postponed due to the escalating coronavirus situation around the world.

The competition, due to take place in Cameroon from January 9-February 6, would mean a number of top-flight players leaving their clubs to join up with their national teams.

Yet understands that despite denials from CAF, the governing body for African football, the tournament is in serious danger.

The spread of the Omicron variant around the world has left European clubs even more nervous about releasing their players. A number of Premier League stars were expecting to travel to the competition, including Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez and Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The European Club Association, which represents the most powerful clubs in Europe, has already written to CAF to express concerns about the tournament.

The letter read: ‘The pandemic and its associated implications raised three fundamental concerns for clubs when it comes to the release of players to national teams.

‘First and foremost, the clubs’ duty to ensure each and every player’s wellbeing is properly protected. Second, that clubs are not forced to be without players for club competition matches.

‘Third, that all players resume their activities with their clubs following national duty in a timely fashion, as per the applicable rules.

‘With regards to applicable protocols, as far as we are aware, CAF has not yet made available a suitable medical and operational protocol for the AFCON tournament, in the absence of which clubs will not be able to release players for the tournament.’