Wayne Lumbasi
Hakim Ziyech could still potentially make a stunning return to the Morocco national team despite announcing his retirement from international football. The head of Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) has indicated that he may still be invited back into the national team setup.
The Chelsea winger was a notable absentee from Morocco’s squad for the Africa Cup of nations after a sensational fallout with Coach Vahid Halilhodzic. As a matter of fact, the 29-year-old has not featured for his country since June last year, with Halilhodzic accusing him of faking injuries to avoid international duty. Halilhodzic had also stated that Ziyech “lacks respect” and will “blow up the crew”.
Despite Halilhodzic’s success in leading the Moroccan team to qualify for the World Cup, he faces criticism in Morocco regarding the style of play and the team’s performance, and the exclusion of Ziyech and Mazraoui from the team. The former coach of FC Nantes could pay for the management of the cases Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui.
A final meeting is scheduled in the coming days between the president of the Moroccan Federation, Faouzi Lekjaa, and the two players to try once and for all to ease tensions.
Tired and affected by the critics, the coach could take the door if no agreement is reached. The Moroccan team is participating in the World Cup finals In Group F, they will face Croatia, Belgium and Canada in Qatar.
