Liverpool’s hopes of mounting another Premier League title challenge next season have taken a significant hit following a major scheduling decision by FIFA, which could see star forward Mohamed Salah miss up to ten matches during the busiest part of the campaign.

In an official announcement on Thursday, FIFA confirmed changes to the international football calendar for 2025, which will see the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) take place between December 21, 2024, and January 18, 2025, overlapping directly with the peak of the English domestic season.

At the same time, FIFA reiterated its plans to host the expanded Club World Cup in the summer of 2025 in the United States, effectively ruling out any possibility of rescheduling AFCON to the summer months – a move that African federations had lobbied for.

“After extensive discussions with continental confederations, we have finalized the global competition calendar for 2025,” FIFA stated.

“Given the organization of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for June and July 2025 in the United States, there is no viable window for the Africa Cup of Nations to be held during the summer months. As such, in agreement with CAF, AFCON 2025 will be held from 21 December 2024 to 18 January 2025, in Morocco.

We understand the implications for clubs and national teams alike, and while we empathize with the challenges posed, this decision ensures optimal scheduling across all competitions and fair opportunity for continental tournaments to thrive.”

This new timeline is devastating news for Liverpool and manager Arne Slot, who had only just seen contract talks with Salah conclude successfully, with the Egyptian superstar signing a two-year extension to stay at Anfield.

Despite Salah’s new deal bringing joy to Liverpool supporters, the timing of AFCON 2025 could see the 32-year-old miss six Premier League fixtures, one Champions League match, one FA Cup clash, and two Carabao Cup ties, depending on Egypt’s progression in the tournament.

The situation is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding other key players. Virgil van Dijk’s future remains unresolved, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid when his contract expires.

Sports journalist Felix Keith of The Mirror estimates that Salah’s absence could span nearly a full month of competitive football – precisely at a time when Liverpool are often stretched by the congested holiday and New Year fixture list.

“Liverpool have built much of their recent success around Salah’s consistency and availability,” Keith noted. “Losing him during the festive period and January could prove costly, especially with Champions League and domestic cup fixtures piling up.”

FIFA’s decision, while beneficial to the global calendar as a whole, places Premier League clubs like Liverpool in a difficult position, as they prepare to cope without one of the league’s most effective and influential players during a decisive part of the season.