The players will go to play - Everton coach David Moyes calls for respect for AFCON

David Moyes

The players will go to play - Everton coach David Moyes calls for respect for AFCON

Hassan Abdulsalam 07:38 - 13.12.2025

David Moyes backs the Africa Cup of Nations despite mid-season disruptions, as Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye prepare to join Senegal for AFCON 2025.

Everton manager David Moyes has urged football stakeholders to show full respect for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite the challenges the tournament poses for European clubs during the domestic season.

David Moyes is back at Everton for a second spell in charge.

The 2025 edition of AFCON has sparked renewed debate after FIFA confirmed that clubs are required to release players just one week before the competition kicks off.

The timing has once again raised concerns among club managers, particularly those set to lose key players during crucial league fixtures.

Everton to Lose Key Players

Everton will be without Senegalese internationals Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye for the duration of the tournament. Both players are expected to link up with the Senegal national team after the Toffees’ Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Moyes made it clear that while the situation is challenging, the tournament deserves full respect.

“We have to respect the Africa Cup of Nations. 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,” Moyes said.

The Everton boss acknowledged the difficulties managers face when losing important squad members midway through the season, but insisted that representing one’s country should always be valued.

“Obviously, I don’t think it’s something that’s ever pleased any manager at any club that you have to lose your players. But we’ve got them for this weekend, then we’ll wish them well,” Moyes added