2025 AFCON: AS Roma midfielder Nael El Aynaoui to join Morocco squad today

AS Roma midfielder Nael El Aynaoui is set to join the Moroccan national team camp today after the Italian club agreed to release him for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Initially, Roma had planned to field El Aynaoui against Como tonight before he flew to Morocco.

The Moroccan Football Federation’s insistence led to a formal appeal to FIFA, which intervened and prevented Roma from including the player in the match.

El Aynaoui is now en route to Morocco on a private plane arranged by the federation.

Reports indicate that Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini tried to negotiate with Moroccan head coach Walid Regragui to delay El Aynaoui’s departure until after the Como game.

Regragui, however, rejected the proposal, citing concerns over the player’s safety and the risk of injury.

Since committing to Morocco over France three months ago, El Aynaoui has participated in three full training camps, secured a starting spot in six consecutive matches, and scored against Uganda.

The Moroccan federation applied a similar policy with Real Betis, denying Abdel Samad Zalzouli permission to remain with his club.

Morocco will open their AFCON 2025 campaign in Group A, facing Zambia, Comoros, and Mali.