Whilst I agree that Afcon is unfair to the Clubs that provide the players, I would just point out that both Mane and Salah have played games for LIverpool already so I don't really understand why our trio appear to have suffered more. Always seems to happen to us, whatever regime is in charge. Is our backroom team poorer than other clubs or is it just our players are less prepared for the rigours of the game?

What's the answer?

They have to hold it in the summer when its a million degrees?

You can only play if you live there?

Their nation pays their wage whilst off?

Definitely and they should also pay their wages if they are subsequently off injured or sick

Do England pay wages when away? Or if they come back injured?

There is no doubt AFCON has caused a lot of problems for some clubs as it takes place mid season for the european leagues.

As far as AFCON is concerned I feel it should only be held every 4 years same as Euros and ideas like holding World Cup every 2 years should be shelved. Many players already are showing clear signs of fatigue and this puts undue pressure on smaller sides who do not have the financial clout to have a bench like Man City.

I also feel the relaxation of eligibility rules has had a detrimental effect as clubs can buy a player with knowledge that a players eligibility is to one country and that can be changed so easily. Players Like Olise and Eze for instance have a number of options and so the AFCON dilema may soon apply to them.

I think the FA should be looking at the rules concerning squad composition.

After Brexit and removal of freedom to work in UK for EU citisens We could now look at restricting number of Non British Players in squads, and on the pitch at any time.

We could increase substitutions to 5 with at least 2 being under 23 thus allowing young talent to get their chance.

We could change definition of home grown in squads to mean eligibile for a Home Nation thus when a player chooses to play for another nation they are no longer homegrown.

The loan system is also detrimental to smaller and medium sized clubs. Clubs like Chelsea loaning out 25 players around Europe is not good for football. Many of these are not young players getting senior experience or senior players trying to get regular football after an injury. Last I heard proposals on reforming this were in hand but some clubs were objecting.

This has just been posted by the club, honouring Cheikhou . . . [Link]

Edited by eagleman13 (15 Feb 2022 1.07pm)

I'm a blind man, i'm a blind man, now my room is cold,
When a blind man cries, Lord, he feels it from his soul.
[Link]