Everton head coach David Moyes says the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, must be respected by European clubs.
The scheduling of the tournament has constantly caused friction between European clubs and participating countries.
The two parties are always at loggerheads over the release of players for the biennial competition.
FIFA recently ruled that clubs should release players just one week before the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The directive was contrary to the earlier mandatory two weeks release date for players.
Moyes, who will be without two key players, Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, during the tournament, however said players must not be stopped from participating.
“We have to respect completely the Africa Cup of Nations,” Moyes told a press conference on Friday.
“The players will go to play in the tournament for their countries, and rightly so. It’s a great thing they get selected for their countries, and we hope they do well.”
We have to respect AFCON — Everton boss Moyes
