Senegal and Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has publicly criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for its scheduling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The final is confirmed to be held on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Morocco.
Mendy's criticism, reported by outlets like Africa Foot United, centers on the date conflicting with the pre-season schedules of European clubs. He argued that holding the final on a Friday creates a tight turnaround for players who must then report back to their clubs, potentially impacting their preparation for the new season.
The 2025 tournament, originally scheduled for June and July in Morocco, was moved to avoid a clash with the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup. CAF has not issued a public response to Mendy's specific comments. The scheduling decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing international football calendars with club commitments.
