A letter from FIFA to the World Leagues Forum indicates that the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has agreed players can turn out in official games for their clubs up to 3 January 2022.
This comes after clubs with African players expressed worries and how the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations would affect them if they have to release the players.
According to FIFA rules, clubs had to release their players by 27 December for the tournament which starts on the 9th of January. Out of mutual understanding, CAF said the players could stay with their clubs till January 3.
“This decision is taken in the spirit of goodwill and solidarity,” Fifa said.
It means for leagues like the English Premier League, Liverpool will be able to call on Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, Senegal winger Sadio Mane and Guinea midfielder Naby Keita for their game on 2 January at Chelsea, who will have Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy available.
Algeria players Riyad Mahrez and Said Benrahma can play for Manchester City and West Ham respectively, while others will also benefit.
The Africa Cup of Nations runs until 6 February, with Leeds United, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Tottenham the only Premier League teams not losing anybody for the tournament.