The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has set the date for revealing the list of players selected for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Coach Tarik Sektioui’s squad will be announced on Thursday, July 4, during a press conference scheduled for 5 p.m. (GMT+1) in Salé, as confirmed by the FRMF on Monday.
Although the final list must be submitted to FIFA by Wednesday, July 3, Sektioui will publicly disclose his choices the following day.
The delay in the announcement is attributed to the reluctance of many European clubs to release their players for the Olympics, as the tournament does not coincide with FIFA-sanctioned dates, posing a significant challenge for the coach.
Despite these obstacles, some major names are anticipated to feature in the squad. Ez Abde, the most experienced player of this generation, is expected to be included, with his club Real Betis Sevilla showing willingness to release him.
Similarly, Monaco’s attacking midfielder Eliesse Ben Seghir, who has not previously played for the U23s, is likely to make the list.
Paris Saint-Germain’s star Achraf Hakimi is also expected to be released by his club, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is set to be one of the three over-age players, known as “jokers,” after Al-Hilal reportedly agreed to let him participate.
If Bounou is unavailable, Munir El Kajoui is on standby. The competition for the final joker spot is fierce, with Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofyan Amrabat, and Nayef Aguerd all in contention.
However, the situation is less clear for other potential squad members. Bilal El Khanouss of KRC Genk is expected to change clubs soon, and it is uncertain if his new team will allow him to compete in the Olympics.
Similarly, Yanis Begraoui and Amine El Ouazzani, who recently transferred to Portuguese clubs Estoril and Braga respectively, face similar challenges with their new teams.
The Moroccan U23 team will kick off their Olympic campaign against Argentina on July 24 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne.
They will then face Ukraine on July 27 at the same venue, followed by a match against Iraq on July 30 at the Allianz Riviera in Nice.
As the announcement date approaches, fans eagerly await the final squad list, which will determine the players who will represent Morocco in one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. T
he inclusion of key players will be crucial for Morocco’s aspirations in the tournament, and Coach Sektioui faces the challenge of assembling a competitive team amid the complexities of club commitments and player availability.
ندوة صحفية للسيد طارق السكتيوي للإعلان عن قائمة اللاعبين المدعوين للمشاركة في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية
🎙️ Press conference of the coach Mr. Tarik Sektioui for Announcement of the players list called up for Olympic Games – Paris 2024 pic.twitter.com/zVdRMf3uQh— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) July 1, 2024
