Mayuka permitted celebratory week

Swiss club Young Boys have granted striker Emmanuel Mayuka extra time off, to celebrate Zambia’s Africa Cup of Nations success.

FIFA regulations stipulate players must return to club duty within 48 hours of their national requirements finishing, but the Swiss Super League side granted the Zambian striker an extra week to soak up the African nation’s penalties win over Ivory Coast in Sunday’s final.

“In view of the historic triumph, the club has decided to allow Mayuka to take part this week in the celebrations in his homeland,” Young Boys revealed on their website.

Young Boys take on Basel on Thursday, but Mayuka – who scored three goals for Zambia at the continental event – was deemed to not be required for the league clash.

“The match against Basel will take place in completely different conditions to the ones (Mayuka played under) in Africa,” the statement continued.