We Have to Respect AFCON – Moyes

Everton boss backs player release despite Premier League disruption.

Everton manager David Moyes has insisted that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) must be fully respected by European clubs, amid ongoing tensions over player release for the tournament.

With AFCON 2025 approaching, Moyes confirmed he will be without Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, but stressed that clubs should not stand in the way of international duty. FIFA recently ruled that players must be released one week before the tournament, easing pressure on clubs.

“We have to respect completely the Africa Cup of Nations,” Moyes said. “The players will go to play for their countries, and rightly so. It’s a great honour, and we hope they do well.”