El Salvador confirms cancellation of Morocco friendly amid scheduling clash

El Salvador Football Federation president Yamil Bukele has confirmed the cancelation of friendly against African powerhouse, Morocco, following a series of scheduling complications and logistical constraints on both sides.

On the back of a formal communique, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation disclosed the side would not be able to honour the fixture as planned for June 3 in Maryland, United States.

According to Bukele, the Moroccan side explained that a significant number of their international players would not be available from May 29 onwards due to club commitments, making it impossible to assemble a full-strength squad for the proposed match in the United States.

In an effort to preserve the fixture, the Moroccan federation reportedly proposed an alternative arrangement—moving the match to June 2 in Morocco, while offering to cover all travel and accommodation costs for the Salvadoran delegation. The proposal reflected Morocco’s clear intention to maintain the fixture as part of their broader preparation schedule for upcoming international commitments.

However, despite appreciating the gesture, El Salvador were ultimately unable to accept the revised plan. Bukele stated that FIFA regulations prevent national teams from playing matches on two different continents within the same international window, complicating any potential rearrangement. In addition, El Salvador already had a pre-established schedule involving two friendly matches during the same period, leaving no room for additional travel to North Africa.

The Salvadoran federation president acknowledged that the fixture against Morocco had been considered a priority within their planning, but admitted that organizational and regulatory constraints made its execution impossible. As a result, both federations agreed to formally cancel the match.

The cancellation is a setback for both teams, particularly Morocco, who had included the fixture as part of their preparation programme. The Atlas Lions are still expected to continue their build-up with other high-profile opponents, including a scheduled friendly against Norway national football team on June 7 at the Red Bull Arena.

While the match will no longer go ahead, the episode highlights the growing complexity of international football scheduling, where club commitments, continental regulations, and global logistics increasingly shape the feasibility of friendly fixtures.