Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has launched a strong critique of football's global schedule, urging domestic leagues to halt play during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With about 33 players absent from Premier League squads alone for AFCON 2025, Ferdinand argues the current system undermines competition and disrespects African football.
"It doesn't make sense," Ferdinand stated bluntly. "We're diluting the product. When you have so many stellar African talents leaving the Premier League, La Liga, and other top divisions, the quality drops visibly. Clubs investing in these players are unfairly disadvantaged."
The core of his argument is one of equity: why is AFCON played mid-season while the European Championships and Copa America are held in the summer off-season?
"There's got to be a push," he insisted. "The Euros and Copa America are played when everyone's off. Why isn't the African version? African players are pillars of our biggest clubs. The schedule needs to reflect their importance."
Ferdinand's comments amplify a growing frustration among European managers and clubs, reframing the debate not just as a club-vs-country issue but as a question of sporting integrity and respect for a major continental tournament.
The call presents a direct challenge to football's governing bodies: to reconcile a crowded calendar with the premier competition for a continent that supplies a huge proportion of the world's top talent.
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