Celtic and Rangers have been given an extra week with their AFCON eligible players this month

After ‘fruitful consultations’, FIFA has confirmed a significant decision change ahead of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will impact both Celtic and Rangers.

The call-up deadline for players competing at AFCON 2025 has been moved back by a week, allowing clubs additional time with their African players before the tournament gets underway.

The Africa Cup of Nations is due to kick off on Sunday, December 21st in Morocco. Fixtures will run until January 18th 2026, which is when the final is scheduled to take place at the 69,500 capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

FIFA extends AFCON player call-up deadline

FIFA has confirmed an extended deadline for clubs to release players included in their country’s AFCON squads this month. Clubs will now be able to retain their players until December 15th, a week later than the previous December 8th deadline.

The postponement follows conversations between key stakeholders, which gives Scottish clubs an extra week with those preparing to challenge for the AFCON trophy.

FIFA has revealed that the extended deadline comes after ‘fruitful consultations led by FIFA with key stakeholders and, thanks to the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by CAF to reduce the impact on various parties’.

The rule change means Celtic will be able to field their African players against Roma in the Europa League on December 11th, as well against St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup Final three days later.

Rangers also have a Europa League clash against Ferencvarosi on the same day as Celtic. However, it remains to be seen if Danny Rohl will have a full squad or not when his side face Hibs in the Scottish Premiership, as this match is scheduled on the day of the AFCON call-up deadline.

Which Celtic and Rangers players will be at AFCON?

The AFCON deadline change will see Celtic keep Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Sebastian Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho with their Hoops teammates for their next three fixtures.

Balikwisha will represent DR Congo at the tournament, while Tounekti and Iheanacho have been confirmed as part of the Tunisia and Nigeria squads.

As for Rangers, Mohamed Diomande has been included in the Ivory Coast squad, while Nasser Djiga will represent Burkina Faso over the coming weeks. You can check out a more in depth list of Scottish Premiership players due to compete at AFCON 2025 here.

The first match of AFCON 2025 will get underway on December 21st, when hosts Morocco take on Comoros.

The excitement of the tournament is building as many household names prepare to battle it out for the biennial trophy. Premier League stars including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United will be in action for Egypt and Cameroon respectively.

Meanwhile, fans will also be able to get a glimpse of the likes of Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) and Hamza Igamane (Morocco).