The situation involving Abdelilah Hafidi, a player from Raja Casablanca who was not selected for the Moroccan national team for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), has led to some disagreement between the club and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). Here are the key points:
- Non-Selection for CAN 2013: Abdelilah Hafidi was not included in the final list of 23 players selected by coach Rachid Taoussi for the Moroccan national team participating in the CAN 2013.
- Player Still with the National Team: Despite not being selected, Hafidi remains with the Moroccan national team in the pre-tournament preparations.
- Club’s Discontent: Raja Casablanca, the player’s club, expressed discontent with the decision to keep Hafidi with the national team when he was not part of the final squad.
- Protests on Social Media: Fans and the player himself expressed their protest on social media platforms regarding the situation.
- Coach’s Request for Repatriation: Raja Casablanca’s coach, Mhamed Fakhir, requested the repatriation of Hafidi, emphasizing the need for him to prepare for the club’s upcoming fixtures in the second part of the season.
- FRMF’s Position: The FRMF wishes to keep Hafidi with the national team until the start of the CAN on January 19, which is a decision not fully accepted by Raja Casablanca.
Disagreements between clubs and national football federations regarding player availability for national team duties are not uncommon, and they often arise during major tournaments like the CAN. The conflicting interests of clubs and national teams, as well as differing perspectives on player management, can contribute to such disputes.
