Rabat — The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced on Saturday evening that it had cancelled the Moroccan national team’s training camp for the African Nations Championship finals (CHAN), which was due to take place from January 12 to 15 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
The FRMF published the surprising statement on its website but did not give any specific reason for the decision, saying: “Mr Tarik Sektioui cancelled the preparatory camp for the U-24 national team.”
Earlier that day, Sektioui had named the players selected for the camp. Players from RS Berkane, FAR Rabat, and Raja Casablanca were left out, as these clubs are busy with continental duties.
The national team is gearing up for the CHAN, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1 to 28.
African nations will find out their opponents on January 15 at 6 p.m. Moroccan time in the draw set to take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced last week that it would boost the cash prize for the CHAN, confirming that the winners will now pocket a total MAD 36.8 million ($3.5m) – a staggering 75 percent rise from the last edition.
The tournament has grown in commercial value. Officials believe the larger prize will spur competition and promote football development across Africa.
