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Morocco's AFCON Rule Hurts Man Utd
17 Dec
Summary
- Manchester United frustrated by Morocco's refusal to release Mazraoui.
- FIFA sided with Morocco on release date for AFCON tournament.
- Man United believes the club is unfairly penalized due to Monday fixture.
Manchester United has voiced its dissatisfaction with Morocco's decision to withhold defender Noussair Mazraoui for the 4-4 draw against Bournemouth on December 15. The 28-year-old was unavailable due to his call-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
FIFA had extended the release deadline for players to national squads to December 15, the same day as United's fixture. However, Morocco insisted on Mazraoui joining them earlier. Unlike agreements made with Cameroon and Ivory Coast for Bryan Mbeumo and Amad, Morocco's stance meant Mazraoui could not play.
United officials are reportedly disappointed, feeling the club has been unfairly penalized. Their Monday fixture slot meant Mazraoui trained with the squad last week but had to join Morocco on Sunday night. The defender was replaced by Leny Yoro in the starting lineup.
