Spain Denies Citizenship to Moroccan Taekwondo Champion Amid Federation Controversy

Abdelhamid Abdouni, 20, has been living in Spain for three and a half years. His efforts to obtain Spanish nationality have remained in vain. The young man is tired of this endless administrative procedure. Abdouni tried to obtain nationality with the help of his club, Taekwondo Moncada, but to no avail, the Ministry of Justice having estimated that the Spanish Taekwondo Federation did not take the relevant steps to obtain nationality for the Moroccan.

"The refusal seems incredible to me, that my particular case is not taken into account and that they tell me that the Federation has done nothing when it has indeed sent a report, whereas I should also have called and insisted. I’m tired, now I’m focusing on the competition with my club and my country," tells Yo Soy Noticia Abdouni, who was crowned Moroccan Taekwondo champion in the -74 kg category last week.

The 1.93 meter tall young man dreams of going to the Olympics in the -68 kg category, "It’s the dream of my parents and I would like to realize it. I know that in 2024 or 2028, I will go to the Games because I will win it," he assures. The Moroccan living in Moncada will participate this weekend in the European club championship. Last year, he won the bronze medal in the competition with the Moncada Taekwondo Club. On the other hand, he will not be able to participate in the individual European championship this year, although he is the current vice-champion of Spain in the -68 kg.

Abdouni is tired of all this bureaucracy and prefers to compete for his country, because in Spain, "they have shown me that they do not care about my situation," laments the triple vice-champion of Spain in the -68 kg who says he fights every day to improve and achieve his goals. As Moroccan champion, he could participate in the Taekwondo World Cup scheduled in a month. "Soon the shortlist will be published and I hope my name will be on it. I really want to do well in the World Cup and fight to be the best, I hope I can go this year," he wishes.