Morocco friendly with El Salvador set to be cancelled over FIFA rules

A planned international friendly between Morocco national football team and El Salvador national football team is set to be cancelled after scheduling constraints and FIFA regulations prevented an agreement between the two federations.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) had attempted to reorganise the fixture in order to ease the physical demands on its Europe-based players.

The governing body proposed relocating the match to Rabat on 2 June, aiming to avoid a demanding transatlantic journey.

In an effort to secure the arrangement, the Moroccan federation offered to cover all associated costs for the Salvadoran delegation, including flights, accommodation and local logistics.

The proposal was designed to ensure that Salvadoran Football Federation (FESFUT) would not incur any expenses for participating in the match.

However, the scheduling realities ultimately proved decisive. El Salvador are due to face Qatar national football team in Los Angeles on 6 June, just four days after the proposed date in Morocco.

FIFA regulations prohibit national teams from playing matches on different continents within the same international window, making the arrangement unworkable.

FESFUT president Yamil Bukele confirmed that the federation had no option but to decline the invitation due to these constraints.

Writing on X, he said: “We thanked the Moroccan Federation for its professionalism and openness, but it is impossible for us to respond favorably in view of the regulatory constraints,” reads X.

He added: “We welcomed this show of respect from the Moroccan federation, stating that we would have loved to play this match, but that it is impossible for us to travel there.”

The FRMF also acknowledged its own challenges in assembling a full squad for the proposed date, citing the conclusion of domestic seasons in Europe and Asia as well as medical considerations affecting players.

With the fixture now unlikely to go ahead, Morocco are exploring alternative options to maintain their preparation schedule.

Reports indicate that a potential friendly against Honduras national football team is under consideration as they seek to finalise their plans for the upcoming international window.