Join on WhatsApp 
Join on Telegram The claims that the former captain of Morocco’s Atlas Lions Houssine Kharja has taken an initiative to mediate to solve the long-standing Ziyech-Halilhodzic rift are reported as not true.
After reporting that Kharja has launched the initiative, Moroccan outlet Al-Montakhab is now quoting their sources to deny the news.
An earlier report from Al-Montakhab said that Halilhodzic and Ziyech are ready to start a new chapter in their relationship and be on good terms to help Morocco’s Atlas Lions in the World Cup playoffs against DR Congo on March 25 and 29, adding that the Chelsea star is most likely to feature.
The ‘rumors’ circulated for a few days as Moroccan football fans anticipate Morocco’s Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic to unveil the Atlas Lions’ squad list for the much-awaited games against DR Congo.
As Morocco is preparing for the games and following the dramatic conclusion at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Moroccan football fans called on the Moroccan Royal Federation for Football (FRMF) to take serious actions against Halilhodzic.
Read also: ‘Vahid Out’: Moroccan Fans Want Coach Gone After AFCON Disappointment
Following a post-AFCON press conference, where Halilhodzic revealed his firm position not to include Ziyech in the list for the playoffs against DR Congo, the Chelsea star decided to retire from playing for Morocco.
Ziyech’s decision incited uproar against Halilhodzic, with radical football fans calling for his immediate dismissal from his position. For them, Halilhodzic’s stubbornness contributed to the lousy conclusion at AFCON, with him not calling in both Ziyech and Ajax star, Noussair Mazraoui.
Other moderate fans have urged for mediation from the FRMF to convince Ziyech to take back his decision and reach a solution that is beneficial for the interests of the national team.
With some Moroccan players hinting at returning to the Atlas Lions and ahead of the playoffs against DR Congo, Moroccan fans are hopeful for a squad list that includes all key players to guarantee qualification to the World’s most prestigious tournament in Qatar.
