The upcoming winter months are poised to be influenced significantly by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), adding to the list of mid-season international tournaments that have become a regular part of the football calendar. The recent inclusion of events like the UEFA Nations League, Euros, and World Cup qualification, along with the occurrence of a World Cup during the winter, has highlighted the demanding schedule players face throughout a season.
Scheduled to commence on January 13, 2024, and concluding on February 11, AFCON’s draw took place last month at the Parc des Expositions d’Abidjan in Abidjan, the economic capital and largest city of the host nation, Ivory Coast. Originally slated for an earlier date this year, the tournament was postponed due to weather concerns in Ivory Coast, specifically an extensive rainy season.
For the Championship, this presents a challenge as some teams may have to navigate a month-long period without key players. This absence opens up opportunities for teams not affected by player departures, potentially providing them with an advantage in the league standings. Eleven teams from the Championship could potentially send players to AFCON, impacting just over half of the league and potentially influencing the competition’s dynamics.
Hull City, for instance, faces the prospect of losing influential midfielder Jean Michael Seri and Adama Traore to AFCON. The absence of these key players could have implications for Hull City’s performance and standings in the league.
As the tournament approaches, attention turns to the players from the Championship who may participate, and the potential impact on the fortunes of various teams in the league. The absence of key players during AFCON provides an opportunity for other Championship sides to capitalize on the situation and make significant strides in the league table.
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