FIFA Blocks Munir El Haddadi’s Switch to Morocco National Team

The shock is total for the Atlas Lions who do not understand the decision of FIFA. The governing body of world football has relaxed the rules, thus allowing dual nationals to change their sports nationality if they meet the indicated conditions. In its decision, FIFA explains that Munir El Haddadi had played with the Spanish U21 selection, as part of the Euro Espoirs qualifiers, in September 2016, when he was two months past that age.

The Sevilla FC striker had already expressed the desire to wear the Moroccan national team colors in 2018 but the FIFA regulations could not allow it. But today that the Fouzi Lekjaa reform gives him that possibility, a past mistake catches up with him. Still, the decision of FIFA can be challenged by Morocco and the player concerned, who have the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

It is a blow for the national coach, Vahid Halilhodzic, who, as part of the two friendly matches against Senegal and the DRC, had already summoned Munir El Haddadi to take part in the gathering that began on Monday at the Mohammed VI complex.