Dutch Football Faces Talent Exodus as Morocco Lures Dual-Nationals

Despite the measures taken two years ago by the Dutch Football Association to retain talents with dual nationality, the exodus continues towards Morocco. According to VoetbalPrimeur, three players would have already decided to commit to the Atlas Lions after being convinced by the sports project of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The Dutch media cites Mohamed Ihattaren, the midfielder of Fortuna Sittard and Anass Salah-Eddine, the 23-year-old left-back of PSV Eindhoven, on loan from AS Roma.

The former had played in 2020 for the Dutch U18s, under the orders of Ronald Koeman, but he has decided to represent Morocco in the future. After several years of uncertainty, FIFA has finally validated the change of sporting nationality of Mohamed Amine Ihattaren. Currently, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is working to finalize his integration. Salah-Eddine is delivering good performances with PSV. His coach Peter Bosz has even described him as a "solid and consistent defender, excellent in possession of the ball" after the club’s victory over PEC Zwolle (4-0).