Moroccan Football Federation Stands Firm on Ez Abde's National Team Call-Up
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has decisively rejected a request from Spanish club Real Betis regarding their Moroccan winger, Abde Ezzalzouli. This decision comes just before the international break, highlighting the federation's commitment to its national team and players. According to reports from the Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport, Real Betis sought permission to exclude Ezzalzouli from the national squad for the upcoming matches against Gabon and Lesotho. The Spanish club aimed to spare the young talent from traveling to South Africa, where the Atlas Lions are set to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Real Betis' request was primarily motivated by the club's desire to manage Ezzalzouli's participation in light of their ongoing season. However, the Moroccan federation's stance is clear: Ezzalzouli is fit and ready to contribute to the national team, having recently played in a match against Villarreal, which only solidified the federation's confidence in his capabilities. The federation emphasized that his active participation in club football serves as evidence of his readiness to join the national camp and that there are no fitness concerns preventing his call-up.
With the matches against Gabon and Lesotho scheduled for September 25 and 29, respectively, these fixtures are crucial for Morocco as they prepare to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to announce his final squad for these matches soon, and Ezzalzouli remains a strong candidate for inclusion. The federation's refusal to release him underscores their commitment to assembling the best possible team for these important qualifiers.
As reported by goal.com.
