The Confederation of African Football has said that participating countries for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon can travel with a maximum of a 28-man squad.

The 33rd edition was delayed due to Covid-19 but look set for Cameroon next year from Sunday, January 9 to Sunday, February 6, 2022, with the usual three substitutes per match.

The last Afcon in Egypt was 23-man squads, but this increment came due to fear of Covid-19 cases. The continental body says the five additional players is optional and not mandatory.

CAF release reads: On the occasion of the upcoming final tournament of the TOTALENERGIES Africa Cup of Nations – Cameroon 2021, we would like to provide you with the following decision:

Number of additional players – The Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations has decided to increase the number of players to 5 additional players. Consequently, the list of players could be increased to a maximum of 28 players. This decision was taken to allow the participating teams have a larger squad list for the competition in case some players test positive for COVID 19.

On the other hand, please note that your federation will bear the cost of the international travel as well as the accommodation of these additional players on the final list. In view of the above, we would like to inform you that the registration of the 5 additional players is only an option and not an obligation. 

Number of substitute players: Concerning the number of substitutions, CAF will apply the law of three substitutions per match (+ 1 additional substitution in case of extra time) during the final tournament of the Africa Cup of Nations.

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