Arsenal star criticises AFCON and Asian Cup scheduling

Arsenal and Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling of the Asian Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stating his belief about the negative effect the tournaments will have on players.

Tomiyasu, who is currently a part of Arsenal's first-team squad, highlighted the difficulty faced by players who have to leave their club duties mid-season to participate in these continental tournaments, saying, "I want the Asian Cup to be played in June, the same as the Euros. 

I don't know why we are playing in January - not only the Asian Cup but the African Cup of Nations as well. It's not good for the players. But it is what it is, and I will really try to come back with the title."

Tomiyasu's main concern is the timing of these tournaments, which are held in January and February. This schedule clashes with the middle of the Premier League season, causing players to miss crucial matches with their clubs.

The defender suggested that these tournaments should be held in June, aligning with the schedule of the UEFA Euros. This change would reduce the disruption to both players and clubs during the busy football season.

According to the Daily Star, this issue is particularly pertinent for Tomiyasu, as Japan is set to participate in the Asian Cup, and his involvement could lead to him missing up to six games for Arsenal, including four Premier League matches.

This absence could be significant, especially as Arsenal is one of the top contenders in the Premier League this season and are short in the left-back department, with Oleksandr Zinchenko proving to be injury-prone and Kieran Tierney out on loan in Spain.

Japan, aiming for a record-extending fifth Asian Cup title, will begin their campaign against Vietnam, followed by matches against Iraq and Indonesia in Group D. Meanwhile, players like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah will be representing their countries in the AFCON, further emphasising the impact of this schedule on top Premier League teams.

Tomiyasu's call for a change in the scheduling of the Asian Cup and AFCON is only the latest voice in the ongoing debate in international football regarding the balance between club and country commitments and the well-being of players.