January boost for Hammers

The Africa Cup of Nations finals are set to be expanded to 24 teams and moved to dates in June and July but will continue to be held every two years after recommendations on the tournament at a symposium in Morocco on Wednesday.

The decision must still be ratified by the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee, but that could come as early as Thursday when they meet in Rabat.

The recommendations were made after a workshop on the future of the tournament that included much of CAF’s leadership, and the decision is expected to be rubber-stamped.

The timing of Afcon finals has been contentious as it has been played in January, in the middle of the Premier League season.

Currently, Hammers Sofiane Feghouli, Cheik Kouyate, Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho could be eligible for AFCON  duty when fit.