Warriors to Receive Foreign-Based Players Just Six Days Before AFCON 2025

Foreign-based members of the Warriors squad will now link up with the national team only six days before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on 21 December, following a revised player-release directive from FIFA.

The delay comes after FIFA notified clubs that they are permitted to release players as late as 15 December, altering the earlier arrangement that allowed teams to assemble their full squads by 8 December.

In a statement, ZIFA confirmed the change, noting that both FIFA and CAF had jointly amended the mandatory release date.

“CAF and FIFA have jointly updated the player-release regulations for AFCON 2025. All clubs are now required to release players on or before 15 December 2025. This adjustment replaces the previous 8 December release date and carries major implications for all teams preparing for the tournament,” the statement read.

ZIFA said the new date significantly affects Zimbabwe’s preparations, as the technical team had planned an advanced pre-AFCON camp close to Morocco. The intention was to have the entire squad — including Europe- and South Africa-based players — assemble early for tactical drills, conditioning and early acclimatisation.

“With foreign-based players now guaranteed only from 15 December, the initial preparation plan cannot proceed as designed,” the association said.

According to ZIFA, the shortened window will force the restructuring of training schedules, friendly matches and travel logistics.

“The reduced preparation period squeezes Zimbabwe’s build-up phase and disrupts the training and match sequence the technical team had planned. We will now recalibrate the entire pre-tournament programme within the tighter timelines,” the statement continued.

Despite the setback, ZIFA said it remains committed to ensuring the Warriors are adequately prepared.

“The Association is reviewing the preparation framework to keep the Warriors on a competitive path heading into AFCON 2025. Updated details on revised training and travel arrangements will be announced in due course.”

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