FIFA DROPS BOMB ON AFCON 2025: NEW “2-MINUTE RULE” FOR INJURIES SET TO SHAKE UP MOROCCO SHOWDOWN – CAF SILENT AS COUNTDOWN TICKS

By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
Send tips: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com

With just 19 days until the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco, FIFA has blindsided organizers and teams by rolling out a controversial new injury rule that could force star players like Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen or Senegal’s Sadio Mané off the pitch for up to two minutes after treatment. a move aimed at curbing time-wasting but risking chaos in high-stakes knockout clashes.

Announced Tuesday by FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina, the “two-minute rule” mandates that any player receiving on-field medical attention must leave the pitch for exactly two minutes once play resumes, unless the injury stems from a yellow or red card foul or involves a goalkeeper. The trial kicks off immediately at the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar, with potential rollout to AFCON if deemed successful.

Collina, the legendary Italian referee, hailed it as a “game-changer” for flow and fairness:

“Stoppages for minor injuries or tactical delays have frustrated everyone. This balances player welfare with the game’s rhythm.”

Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has yet to confirm adoption for the December 21 opener, leaving coaches scrambling. Nigeria’s Super Eagles, eyeing a fourth title after World Cup playoff heartbreak, could lose key attackers mid-game, imagine Osimhen stretchered off against Côte d’Ivoire, sidelining him for crucial minutes.

The rule’s debut aligns with AFCON’s compressed schedule (December 21–January 18), where fatigue and feigned injuries are rife. Critics like ex-Egypt star Mido warn it favors “physical” teams like Morocco, while Senegal’s Aliou Cissé calls for “clarity now.”

FIFA’s not done: Yesterday, they extended club release dates for AFCON-bound stars from December 8 to December 15, easing Premier League pain for talents like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (Egypt) but disrupting national team camps. CAF countered with squad tweaks: Up to 28 players registrable (26 on matchday), but only 23 CAF-funded.

As Morocco gears for the Group A curtain-raiser vs. Zambia on December 21, the rule’s shadow looms large. Will it debut in Africa, or spark a continental revolt?
DDNewsOnline Live from AFCON HQ.