Afcon 2025: Manchester United upset with Moroccan federation over Mazraoui
Tensions have emerged between Manchester United and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) following the early release of defender Noussair Mazraoui ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Moroccan international joined the national team’s training camp in Morocco while his club was preparing for a Premier League match against Bournemouth. United officials reportedly viewed the departure as premature, especially given the defensive injuries affecting the squad at the time.
However, Mazraoui’s release was in line with FIFA regulations, which set 15 December as the deadline for clubs to make selected African players available for Afcon preparations. While some clubs negotiated short delays with national federations, Morocco chose to keep its original schedule.
Manchester United had requested that Mazraoui remain available for the league fixture, but the Moroccan federation declined. FIFA later confirmed that the decision complied fully with international regulations, effectively backing the FRMF’s position.
The situation caused frustration at Old Trafford, particularly as the fixture had been rescheduled beyond the club’s control. Despite the disagreement, Mazraoui joined the national team just days before the tournament kicks off, as Morocco prepares to open its Afcon campaign on home soil.
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