Morocco’s Ziyech Set for World Cup Return, Overruling Coach’s Decision

Speaking on Sunday on the MFM radio station, the boss of Moroccan football spoke about the current events of the Atlas Lions, including the return of the Chelsea attacking midfielder to the national team. And on this subject, Lekjaa was as clear as possible. "Hakim Ziyech will be present with the Moroccan national team at the World Cup," he declared.

Excluded from the national team since September 2021 for a "disciplinary problem", the 28-year-old player should indeed make his comeback for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Chelsea attacking midfielder had indicated that he no longer intends to return to the national team as long as the coach is in office. Ziyech even refused to meet Vahid in May for a possible reconciliation.

Despite the qualification for the World Cup in Qatar, Vahid Halilhodzic is still contested for his choices and his management of the team, which fuels rumors of his departure a few months before the tournament. A meeting is scheduled in two weeks to decide on his future at the head of the Atlas Lions, Lekjaa announced.