2 years ago
The Atlas Lions' squad for the 33rd Afcon tournament in Cameroon did not include the 29-year-old.
Prior to the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed that Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has a clear path to the national team.
The 29-year-old has turned down calls to play for the Atlas Lions on two occasions, the most recent being a month ago in the 2022 World Cup play-offs against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite receiving an invitation to join coach Vahid Halilhodzic's provisional squad, Chelsea's player, along with Ajax's Noussair Mazraoui, declined, citing his commitments at Chelsea.
Nobody can block a Moroccan player from participating for the national squad, according to FMRF president Fouzi Lekjaa.
According to BBC Sport Africa, FMRF president Lekjaa remarked at a board meeting this week that "the doors of the national team are open to all Moroccan players, regardless of their differences."
"No one can prevent a Moroccan player, whether Ziyech or anyone else, from playing for the national team."
Ziyech remarked at the time, "I'm sorry to disappoint the supporters, it was not an easy decision to make, but sadly, I feel I have no other alternative," after declining the call to face DR Congo, a two-legged match they won 5-2 on aggregate to qualify for the final.
"Despite the fact that I have given my all for the team over the last six years, the leaders continue to circulate false information about me and my patriotism. Their actions have made it impossible for me to stay on the squad. I wish the crew the best of luck in their future endeavors.
"As a player, all of my attention is on my team."
Morocco has been selected to play Croatia, Belgium, and Canada in Qatar.
Ziyech, who declared his retirement from international football on February 8, 2022, at the age of 28, was also absent from Morocco's squad that competed in the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
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