The tournament begins on December 21, but FIFA has ruled that clubs do not have to release their players until December 15, giving teams an unexpected extra week with their African stars.

The adjustment means key names such as Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo will still be available for league fixtures on the weekend of December 13–14.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed on Tuesday that Salah would remain with the squad until the final permitted date. “He’ll go on December 15,” Slot said. “There’s communication between the player, the club and the country. FIFA have made it clear that December 15 is the final day players must be released.”

Manchester United could also benefit, although it remains unclear whether Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui will be cleared to play in their match against Bournemouth on December 15.

The club most relieved by FIFA’s decision will be Sunderland, who was set to lose as many as seven first-team players to AFCON. Those players are now expected to be available for the high-stakes Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United on December 14.

Meanwhile, Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United remain unaffected, with none of their squad members called up for the competition.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, speaking before last weekend’s clash with Everton, said the club had been working behind the scenes to keep their AFCON players for as long as possible.

“We know the rules and when players must be released,” he said. “We’ll do what we can to keep them longer, but it’s not only in our hands. We have to protect the club, the players and the national teams.”

Amorim added that the absences could open doors for younger talent: “It’s not ideal, because Amad, Mazraoui and Mbeumo are very important to us and our squad isn’t big. But this creates opportunities for others, including our Under-21s.”

AFCON Tournament Schedule will be started by Morocco vs Comoros as opening match on December 21, waiting final in January 18.