Foreign Clubs Threaten to Sack Ugandan Players Over AFCON Participation

Two Ugandan internationals, Melvyn Lorenzen and Timothy Awany, are reportedly facing shocking ultimatums from their clubs ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Lorenzen, who features for Muangthong United in Thailand, and Awany of Israeli side FC Ashdod, have allegedly been warned that they risk contract termination if they honour national team invitations to AFCON.

Cranes media officer Paul Mukatabala confirmed the development, noting the clubs have directly communicated the ultimatum to both players.

The move has triggered widespread outrage across African football circles, as it challenges the fundamental right of players to represent their nations — especially at the continent’s biggest football showpiece.

FIFA regulations clearly state that all clubs must release invited players at least one week before the start of a major international competition. AFCON 2025, to be hosted in Morocco, will run from December 21 to January 18, 2026.

Opinion: Club Pressure Should Never Silence a Country’s Pride

Moments like AFCON are not simply tournaments — they are a celebration of culture, sacrifice, and national identity. For many African players, representing their country is not a hobby — it's a lifelong dream.

So when clubs threaten to sack players for choosing their homeland, it sends the wrong message: that club profit is more valuable than international passion.

This attitude has lingered for years — African football is sometimes treated as less important, and AFCON viewed as an inconvenience rather than an honour. Yet ask any player what it means to wear their nation’s badge and you’ll hear stories rooted in community, childhood hopes, and the pride of millions back home.

Football should uplift, not intimidate.

Uganda — and Africa — deserves respect. These players should never have to choose between livelihood and legacy. If the game truly is global, then its biggest competitions should be valued equally.

As the countdown to Morocco 2025 continues, one thing is clear: no player should lose a contract for choosing their country. That is not football — that is coercion. And the world should stand firmly against it.