Cameroon has moved the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) from summer, to January and February.

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In a statement, the Cameroon Football Federation said the dates were switched owing to harsh weather conditions expected over the initial date.

"It (2021 AFCON) will be played in Cameroon from 9 January to 6 February 2021. Date changed for weather reasons at Cameroon’s request,” the federation said.

Following the move, a number of English Premier League clubs will be affected, as some of their key players will break from club duties to engage in the continental tournament.

Some of the top clubs likely to affected include; Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Leicester among others.

The clubs will feel the pinch of losing several top players. For instance, if Sengal and Egypt qualify for 2021 AFCON, then Liverpool will lose it's two top striker; Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

In addition, the switch means the tourney won't clash with the improved FIFA 24-team Club World cup, schedule for June and July next year in China; thus affording enough time and rest for players.

In the previous editions, the tournament had been moved from early January to June and July, so as not to interfere with European club competitions, and FIFA calendar.

"We have reviewed the period of the competition as requested by the Cameroonian party due to unfavourable climatic conditions during the period initially slated,"CAF deputy general secretary Tony Baffoe said as quoted by the BBC.