Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has disclosed that it will be difficult for most players abroad to participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the next tournament will be hosted between December 2025 and January 2026.

According to Badu, December is the busiest time for players, especially in Europe, as they would be playing matches during the Christmas period.

"It's a very difficult situation, but this is our job. This is the kind of job we want to do," he told Joy Sports.

"You need to be there and represent your country; you need to make yourself proud, your country proud, so whenever you get the call-up, whether it's Christmas time, whether the European club will worry us, you just need to come and do the job for your country."

The ex-Ghana international urged CAF to find a permanent period for AFCON tournaments in order not to conflict with other footballing calendars.

"It's just unfortunate, but we need to abide by it and just go with it. I hope it will not repeat itself because it will bring a lot of chaos for the players," he added.

JNA/EK