The Copa-America; Euro-2012; World Cup; and every other major football competition is held in the summer - outside of the league season.
Every one but the African Cup, and clubs with African players suffer as a consequence.
So let's take a look at what is going on down there, and who will be missing in the New Year.
Having messed up their qualification campaign in a manner reminiscent of the 2003 Cricket World Cup, South Africa are still trying to gatecrash the party.
But whether or not their desperate attempt succeeds – and surely it cannot having simply misinterpreted the rules – we know for sure Egypt will not be in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in January.
As winners of the last three tournaments and its most successful nation in terms of both qualification and trophies, The Pharoahs’ absence is a major surprise.
Newcastle United must cope without Senegal striker Demba Ba (pictured right) and Cheick Tioté.
But we are not alone, Chelsea will be deprived of stars Didier Drogba and Solomon Kalou.
For a Newcastle side with relatively few current internationals, the New Year will not provide much cause for celebration. A later than usual competition (it starts on January 21) will at least delay its impact until after Manchester United’s visit.
But it's something we all have to get used to.
The transfer window offers possible cover, but whether making a signing to cover for a three-week tournament is a good idea is open to debate.
Either way, it is a headache.
Demba Ba has already taken months to settle and reach any degree of form because of his religion and Ramadama-ding-dong. Now he's sure to want to leave early for team preperation leading up to the African Cup.