Morocco takes a hard stance on their AFCON players
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 18.12.25. | 14:12
Unlike other African countries, the Atlas Lions didn't want to allow their players to be involved in games last weekend
There was much fuss about FIFA‘s recent decision to side with the clubs over AFCON dates. The football‘s main governing body led by Gianni Infantino sided with clubs, allowing them to keep the African players seven days longer in their teams, considering the schedule of their national teams. It angered most African countries as it shortened their preparation time, not to mention the financial part (secured aiplane tickets, booked hotels etc.) and showed general disrespect to the African football in general. One of the countries who said nothing in public were the hosts of the tournament and favorites for the title – Morocco.
But, then the situation presented themselves, they stood firm and gave no discount to any European clubs, including Manchester United. On Monday, the Red Devils played in a ‘wildest‘ game of the season, drawing 4-4 with Bournemouth on Old Trafford. And one player who did not took part in this game was Noussair Mazraoui. The full back would almost certainly start for Ruben Amorim, especially given the injury crisis he has in the back line, but Morocco forbid the player to be involved. According to BBC, that angered Manchester‘s brass, especially since they successfully negotiated with Ivory Coast and Cameroon to let Diallo and Mbeumo play before going to AFCON.
However, the Atlas Lions stood firm, since they wanted their squad to be in full capacity ahead of the tournament. And this was not only the case with Mazraoui and United. Fifa had urged federations and clubs to "hold bilateral discussions in good faith to find appropriate individual solutions", but when Morocco refused to back down, Manchester turned to FIFA, who didn‘t press the African team and they prevailed. The same thing happened to Real Betis and Roma – their players didn‘t participate in La Liga and Serie A game last weekend. Neil El Aynaoui, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Sofyan Amrabat didn‘t play for either club. Morocco will open this year‘s AFCON with a game against Comoros on 21 December 2025.
