Spanish Media Pressures Moroccan-Origin Barcelona Stars Over National Team Choice

The Spanish media are trying to put pressure on the two players of Moroccan origin in order to prevent their integration into the Moroccan national team. The reaction of the Spanish press follows a certain rumor that announced that the two new stars of FC Barcelona have been approached by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to be part of the Atlas Lions and that they would have accepted the offer.

However, the information has never been confirmed by the two young players, reports the daily Assabah, denouncing this campaign led by the Spanish press.

To read: Barcelona’s Young Moroccan Talents Impress in Espanyol Match Under Xavi

Ilias Akhomach, 17, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, 19, have been talked about recently after being called up by the new Barça coach, Xavi Hernandez, for the last two matches against Espanyol and Villareal.

Born in Beni Mellal, Ezzalzouli signed in August to FC Barcelona B before joining the A team. As for Akhomach, of Moroccan origin but born in Spain, in Els Hostalets de Pierola in the Barcelona region, he made his debut at La Masia, Barça’s training school, before being called up by Xavi to play in the first team.