It’s almost time for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to start, which means there will be a lot of change within the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) landscape in the coming weeks.
With managers already in their busiest time of the season, a free transfer allowance is also available from Gameweek 16. This allows you to decide when is the best time to relieve AFCON participants and guess how long they will be away.
Fortunately, we now have some clarity on when players will fly out.
AFCON: DEPARTURE DATES ANNOUNCED
Following speculation that players may be called up immediately after this weekend’s Gameweek 15, FIFA has announced that the final release date for AFCON players has been postponed.
Instead of joining their national teams on Monday, December 8, they can now wait until Monday, December 15.
The vast majority of the Premier League’s AFCON-bound players will therefore still be available for selection in Gameweek 16 – and then leave.
What about MAN UNITED V BOURNEMOUTH?
But what, we hear you ask, about the Man United match on Monday 15 December, which starts at 8pm GMT?
It is the only Premier League match on that departure date, the conclusion of Gameweek 16.
First the good news for Bryan Mbeumo (£8.5 million) and Amad Diallo (£6.3 million).
FIFA’s rules on the timing of players being called up for AFCON are based on their approach to the World Cup in winter 2022. They say players must report to their international camp within seven days of their country’s opening match of the tournament.
It also encourages clubs experiencing scheduling issues to enter into discussions with national parties “to find appropriate individual solutions in good faith.”
With Cameroon and Ivory Coast not playing until December 24, Mbeumo and Amad should be fine against Bournemouth. That’s a big bonus for Ruben Amorim and for their FPL owners.
However, Morocco will participate in the first ever AFCON match (December 21). This seven day window means that Noussair Mazraoui (£4.9m) and the cherries’ Amine Adli (£5.4m) may have to miss the match at Old Trafford on December 14.
On the other hand, the duo have played just seven Premier League games together this season. Both clubs should be able to get by without them – and they certainly aren’t popular FPL choices.
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