Morocco’s Ziyech-Halilhodzic Rift Continues as World Cup Playoffs Loom

"Houssine Kharja has intervened in the dispute between national coach Vahid Halilhodzic and Hakim Ziyech. The former captain of the Atlas Lions has recently contacted the two men and has managed to mitigate their positions. Halilhodzic and Ziyech said they were ready to start a new chapter for the good of the national team, which is due to play the 2022 World Cup playoff matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo on March 25 and 29," reported Al-Montakhab, before denying this information a few hours later.

The tug-of-war between the Chelsea star and the Franco-Bosnian technician does not delight Moroccan football fans. Some have called on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to play a mediating role between the two men, to convince Hakim Ziyech to reconsider his decision, and to find a solution favorable to the interests of the national team. In February, the former Ajax star had decided to turn his back on the national football team.