CHAN 2022: Morocco reveals preconditions to CAF

Following a meeting of the steering committee of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) at the Mohammed VI complex on Tuesday, December 27, a decision has been reached for the North African side to be represented in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) by the national U23 team, as confirmed by federation boss, Lekjaa.

Multiple reports, along with confirmation from the FRMF boss suggests the Moroccan federation have sent correspondence to the confederation of African football, for enforcement of the recent specification in the development of the competition, particularly in the aspect of the reception of participating teams.

The FRMF steering committee have demanded that the national U23 team travel to the city of Constantine, host cite for Morocco’s games, through a direct flight from Rabat.

Relations between Morocco and Algeria have been strained since 2021, with Algeria citing attempts from their neighbor to destabilize the country and accusing Morocco of playing a significant role in the wildfires that engulfed Algeria that year.

While the national government of the Atlas lions have denied all allegations and made moves to broker peace through dialogue, all attempts have failed and the relationship between both nations remain strained. As a result, Morocco are hoping to avoid the a stop at Algiers, capital city of the host nation, with a direct drop off in Constantine.

The federation in a statement said:
“_The Board of Directors of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) decided unanimously not to participate in the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled from January 13 to February 4 in Algeria, if the travel of the national team is not provided via a special flight of Royal Air Morocco (RAM), official carrier, from Rabat to Constantine, host city of the games of the national eleven.”_

It is hoped that the decision would be approved by CAF, lest the national team will not take part in the competition which might cause a big scandal, with Morocco being defending champions.

The next edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) is scheduled for Algeria from January 13 through February 4, 2023, in what is a delayed 2022 edition of the competition which Morocco have won on two previous occasions.

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