Manchester United attacks Morocco and is rejected by FIFA

The frustration is palpable at Old Trafford. The day after a chaotic 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, the Manchester management is having a hard time digesting the forced absence of its right-back. Coach Rúben Amorim had hoped to line up the former Ajax player to stabilize his defense, but was met with a categorical refusal from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

The conflict is based on a strict application of the calendar. FIFA regulations require the release of players seven days before their first match in an international competition. As Morocco is starting its Africa Cup on December 21, the availability period was already underway during Monday’s match. The postponement of the match, originally scheduled for Saturday, has placed United in breach of this protected window.

Furious, the English club made a last-ditch attempt by filing an official complaint with FIFA. The attempt failed, with the governing body logically siding with Morocco. Instead of taking the field at Old Trafford, Mazraoui has therefore joined his compatriots for a training session, leaving his club to deal with its anger and defensive problems without him.