European clubs threaten to block players from taking part in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations over Covid fears.
The 33rd edition of the AFCON is set to get underway on Sunday, January 9, 2022 to Sunday, February 6, 2022 in Cameroon.
In a letter addressing FIFA, the body representing Europe’s top clubs says that they may not release players for AFCON and other international matches next month unless African countries meet certain some conditions.
“It is the obligation of each national association that wishes to call a player for national team duty to establish to the satisfaction of the respective clubs that all applicable medical protocols have been implemented and will be strictly enforced,” reads the document in part.
The Association says that African countries have failed to implement Covid19 prevention protocols
The body adds that there cannot be mandatory release of players if they are to miss official club matches within the release period.
Liverpool for example, will lose Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita.
Sources at CAF have reported that the tournament may be postponed, again!
