It reduces the quality of EPL — Rio Ferdinand pushes for change in AFCON schedule

Rio Ferdinand has reignited the debate over the international football calendar, arguing that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should be rescheduled to align with the European Championship and Copa América.

Speaking on his talk show, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former England captain highlighted that the mid-season departure of African superstars significantly weakens Europe’s elite divisions.

With the 2025 AFCON currently underway in Morocco, major clubs have had to navigate crucial fixtures without the likes of Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo.

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

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

Ferdinand questioned the logic behind staging Africa’s premier tournament during the heart of the club season, while other continental competitions take place during the summer break. He believes a unified global schedule would benefit both the clubs and the prestige of the tournament itself.

“There should be a push for the AFCON to be put at the same time as the Euros and Copa America,” he added.

“Why are they [the Euros and Copa America] playing when leagues around the world are off, but the African version isn’t?”

The ongoing tournament in Morocco is set to conclude on January 18, 2026, by which time many Premier League clubs will have played up to five league matches without their African internationals.