Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has criticised FIFA’s decision to let clubs keep Africa Cup of Nations-bound players until December 15, saying the late release will damage preparations for the tournament.
FIFA confirmed the change in a circular signed by Secretary General Mattias Grafström, shortening the mandatory release period by seven days and leaving teams with barely a week before AFCON kicks off on December 21.
Put said he only found out that many of his foreign-based players would not report until December 16 or 17.
“I think all coaches are not happy with the decision,” he said.
“Normally we have two weeks with all players to prepare.”
Uganda had planned to have the full squad in camp by December 8 and had scheduled its training programme around that date.
“We expected to work with everyone and have two friendly games. Now that changes. We’ll only have half the team until the 16th or 17th.”
The ruling gives European clubs even more influence over African preparations, with no penalties for keeping players longer.
Big sides in England and elsewhere can now release their African stars just days before the tournament.
Hosts Morocco could have nearly 20 Europe-based players arriving late, while champions Ivory Coast may have even more coming in at the last minute.
Uganda travelled with 17 players, with 13 more expected straight from their clubs abroad. Put said the group in camp is simply too small to execute tactical plans.
“We’ll have only about 15 players until the 17th, so it’s not much but we have to deal with it,” he said.
“Everything we planned for months is now far from reality.”
Uganda is due to play FAR Rabat on December 13 and Gabon on the 17th, matches he admits will be difficult to use meaningfully without his full squad.
Still, Put insists Uganda must adapt.
“Now we have to see how we can manage and prepare in the best way.”
Players already in camp
Salim Omar Magoola, Charles Lukwago, Isaac Muleme, Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Allan Okello, Rogers Mato, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, David Owori, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Jude Ssemugabi, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Reagan Mpande, James Bogere, Ronald Ssekiganda and Denis Omedi.
Uganda will play two friendlies in Morocco as part of preparations for the tournament, which runs from December 21 to January 18.
The Cranes are in Group C with Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania.
