Morocco Blocks Entry for Algerian U17 Soccer Team Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

In a statement, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) said its technical staff had postponed the flight of the 28 players traveling to Morocco to a later date, as the one scheduled for Saturday had been canceled following the closure of Moroccan airspace until March 21. "a decision related to the evolution of the health situation in relation to the new variants of Covid-19," the FAF specified.

"This Friday, March 5, 2021, the technical staff finalized the list of 28 players who will have to travel to Morocco on a date to be specified since the one on Saturday, March 6 has been postponed due to the decision to close Moroccan airspace until March 21. A decision related to the evolution of the health situation in relation to the new variants of Covid-19," details the FAF in its press release. As a result, the Algerian Football Federation is awaiting authorization from the Moroccan authorities to schedule another trip of the selection to Morocco to play the continental tournament.

On Friday, March 5, the Moroccan authorities announced the suspension of flights between the kingdom and Algeria. This decision also concerns Egypt, Italy, Belgium, Turkey, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Brazil.