Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put slams FIFA over late AFCON player release

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put is not happy with FIFA after the world football body allowed clubs to release players for the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 only from December 15, just six days before the tournament starts.

The Cranes arrived in Casablanca on Sunday 7th and became the first team to reach Morocco.

Uganda will play two friendly matches FAR Rabat on Saturday 13th and Gabon on Wednesday 17th as part of their preparations.

Put said the late release of players has affected his training plans.

“We have two friendly games, one against FAR Rabat and another against Gabon on the 17th. This camp was meant to help us work on fitness, tactical shape, and match sharpness before the opening game,” Put said.

He added that many coaches are not pleased with FIFA’s decision.

“First of all, I think all coaches are not happy because of the decision of FIFA. That’s not a good scenario. I was hoping to have the full squad by the 8th,” he said.

The gaffer added that preparing for months only to get the full team a few days before the tournament is difficult.

“Being with the team earlier helps us work on tactics and mentality. All the plans we prepared for months are now reduced to only three days. That’s not good,” he added.

Because of the late release, Put will have only 17 players available for the first friendly against FAR Rabat. Only 17 players are expected in camp by December 17, with the rest joining later.

FIFA said the shorter release period similar to the 2022 World Cup was agreed after talks with CAF to reduce the impact on clubs, but did not give more details.

Meanwhile, the Cranes technical team has a new assistant coach. Fred Muhumuza has replaced Sam Ssimbwa. Muhumuza worked at Vipers SC where he won the league and cup double with Jacky Minnaert and John Luyinda. He has also coached at URA, Tooro Province, and assisted the national team during CHAN.

Uganda is placed in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tanzania and Tunisia. The Cranes begin their AFCON campaign against Tunisia on December 23.

Seventeen players left Kampala for Morocco, while thirteen others will connect directly from their clubs abroad.

Players already in Morocco

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.