Manchester United have taken the unusual step of contacting world football's governing body, FIFA, after the Moroccan Football Association refused to allow defender Noussair Mazraoui to play in Monday's Premier League match against Bournemouth.
The Dispute Over Player Release
The club had hoped to negotiate a later release date for the full-back, given their fixture was scheduled for December 16. This was just one day after the revised mandatory release date of December 15, which FIFA had set for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament beginning on December 21.
United successfully reached agreements with the federations of Ivory Coast and Cameroon, allowing forwards Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo to feature in the dramatic 4-4 draw with the Cherries. However, their initial request to Morocco for Mazraoui was flatly rejected, forcing the player to link up with his national squad on Sunday night ahead of the tournament, where Morocco feature in the opening match.
FIFA's Verdict and Wider Frustration
After United escalated the matter, FIFA ultimately upheld Morocco's decision, stating it was in line with pre-tournament guidance. The governing body emphasised that clubs and national associations should "hold bilateral discussions in good faith to find appropriate individual solutions."
United's hierarchy are understood to believe they were "unfairly punished" due to a television-driven fixture change that moved the Bournemouth game to a Monday night. They found no sympathy from FIFA, and were not alone in their frustration. European clubs AS Roma and Real Betis also faced similar issues in negotiations with the Moroccan federation.
Mazraoui, described as having remained "professional and respectful" throughout, trained with Ruben Amorim's squad as normal before his departure.
Impact on United's Festive Fixtures
The outcome leaves manager Ruben Amorim significantly short-handed for the busy festive period. He will be without Mazraoui, Amad, and Mbeumo, with the latter's absence highlighted as particularly damaging by former United defender Paul Parker.
"It is impossible for Man United to cope with the loss of Mbeumo when he leaves for the AFCON. They simply can't," Parker told MyBettingSites.co.uk. "He is going to be a massive miss, and I can't see how they can do anything without him."
The situation forces Amorim into a tactical rethink, with potential replacements on the right flank including Mason Mount or new signing Joshua Zirkzee, as the club navigates a crucial part of the season without key personnel.
