Rio Ferdinand Calls For AFCON To Align With Euros, Copa America

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has argued that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should be staged at the same time as the UEFA European Championship and the Copa America, insisting that the current calendar hurts the quality of Europe’s top leagues.

Speaking on his talk show, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former England international said the growing influence of African footballers in Europe makes their mid-season departure for AFCON increasingly disruptive.

Ferdinand pointed to the Premier League and Spain’s top flight as competitions that feel the impact most, especially during January when injuries and fixture congestion already stretch clubs.

“African players are so prominent now. There are so many African players playing in the biggest stage, in the Premier League, other European leagues and the Champions League,” Ferdinand said.

“When they leave for the AFCON, it dilutes the overall quality of the Premier League, LaLiga and all the other European leagues.”

The 2025 AFCON is currently taking place in Morocco, with several high-profile stars absent from their clubs. Among those on international duty are Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo.

Ferdinand questioned why AFCON is played during the European season while other continental tournaments are held in the summer when domestic leagues are on break.

“There should be a push for the AFCON to be put at the same time as the Euros and Copa America,” he said. “Why are they playing when leagues around the world are off, but the African version isn’t?”