Manchester United are angry with the Moroccan Football Association after it refused their request to allow Noussair Mazraoui to play in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, just days before the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon)begins.
United believed Mazraoui would be available because Fifa changed the release rules, meaning clubs only have to release players from 15 December, not two weeks before the tournament. The club expected the same flexibility shown by Cameroon and Ivory Coast, who allowed Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to play.
However, Morocco took a different stance, insisting Mazraoui join the national squad early ahead of their Afcon opener against Comoros on 21 December. The defender had trained all week with United expecting to play.
United escalated the issue to Fifa, but the governing body did not force Morocco to change their decision, leading to frustration at Old Trafford. Club sources feel United were treated unfairly, especially as Morocco appeared to prioritise a training session over a Premier League match.
Similar issues were also faced by Roma and Real Betis in dealings with Morocco. Fifa said it encouraged clubs and national teams to negotiate in good faith, but left final decisions to case-by-case discussions.
As a result, Mazraoui, along with Mbeumo and Amad, will miss United’s trip to Aston Villa. With Harry Maguireand Matthijs de Ligt injured, manager Ruben Amorim was forced to rely on young defenders, including Ayden Heavenand Leny Yoro, as United missed the chance to move into the top five.
BBC Sport has contacted Morocco and Fifa for comment.
