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As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 approaches, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is implementing a series of updated regulations aimed at enhancing the tournament’s organisation and ensuring smooth operations throughout the event.
Scheduled to kick off on December 21 in Morocco, AFCON 2025 will see participating teams adhere to these new protocols designed to streamline squad management, travel logistics, matchday procedures, and compliance deadlines. These changes reflect CAF’s commitment to professionalism and efficiency as the continent’s premier football competition draws near.
Early Submission of Final Team Rosters
One of the key adjustments requires all national teams to finalize and submit their squad lists no less than ten days before the tournament’s opening match. This advance deadline is intended to minimize last-minute alterations and provide organisers ample time to coordinate event logistics.
Teams that miss this deadline will face a penalty fee of $10,000, underscoring the importance of timely compliance. For coaches, this means making critical roster decisions earlier than usual, while supporters benefit from early clarity on their team’s lineup.
Travel Restrictions Limit Matchday Squad Size to 18 Players
Another significant modification concerns team travel arrangements. Although squads may include a larger number of players, only 18 individuals will be permitted to travel between host cities for each fixture, regardless of the mode of transport-be it air, road, or rail.
This measure aims to simplify transportation logistics and reduce congestion during transit. Teams competing in Moroccan cities such as Rabat and Casablanca will need to strategize carefully about player rotation and matchday selections to comply with this rule.
Regulated Travel Timetable Between Host Venues
To further enhance operational efficiency, CAF has introduced a strict travel schedule for teams moving between host cities. For example, teams traveling between Rabat and Casablanca are restricted to journeying only on the mornings of matchdays.
For longer trips, teams are allowed to relocate a day in advance. This regulation will particularly impact groups requiring multiple city changes during the group stage, compelling players and staff to quickly adjust to new surroundings within tight timeframes.
Restrictions on Training Sessions at Official Match Stadiums
In an effort to preserve pitch quality, full training sessions at the official match venues will no longer be permitted the day before games. Instead, teams may only conduct limited pitch familiarisation sessions between 2 PM and 9 PM, subject to CAF’s approval.
Coaching staff will need to identify alternative training facilities for comprehensive practice sessions, ensuring the playing surfaces remain in optimal condition for matchday.
Increased Pressure on Coaches to Finalize Squads Promptly
While not an explicit rule, the accelerated deadlines and travel constraints are influencing coaching strategies across the continent. Many national teams are expediting the trimming of their provisional squads to meet CAF’s requirements.
For instance, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have already made surprising cuts as they approach their final 28-player roster. With a challenging group stage ahead, teams are focusing on assembling well-balanced and cohesive squads well before the tournament begins.
These updated CAF regulations highlight a clear focus on discipline, organisation, and quality control, setting the stage for a highly professional and smoothly run AFCON 2025.
