High-flying Morocco withdraws from CHAN after failing to secure Algerian landing slot
January 13 - Defending champions Morocco withdrew from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after hosts Algeria denied the Moroccans a direct flight to the country.
>In the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries since last year, direct flights between Algeria and Morocco have been suspended and following the insistence of the Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) to having a direct flight to Constantine on the country's national airline, Royal Air Maroc, and the subsequent refusal of the host country to allow such a flight, the Moroccans withdrew.
The tournament which begins today (January 13) with the opening match between Algeria and Libya at the new Baraki stadium in Algiers.
In a statement, the FMRF said: "(We) were informed on December 22 by CAF that an authorization in principle had been obtained. The obtaining of the final authorization has unfortunately not been confirmed. by CAF.
"The FRMF communicated the details of the flight plan and the coordinates in order to obtain the final authorization for the RAM flight from Rabat and continued the preparation of the trip and the participation in the CHAN."
The withdrawal will be a major embarrassment for the organizers and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Morocco are the defending champions and would have opened their title defense – seeking a third straight title – against Sudan on Sunday. Last month, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last four of the World Cup, elevating the status of the Atlas Lions to new heights.
The CHAN tournament is reserved for players based in their home country. The tournament takes place outside FIFA dates, which means that leagues and clubs are not required to release their players.
The hosts have however suspended their league for the duration of the finals. They will be managed by former Charlton Athletic and Rangers defender Madijd Bougherra. The Algerians are keen to claim Morocco's crown in a tournament that has been criticized for being unloved and unnecessary and often seems like a mere scouting exercise for European clubs.
First held in 2009 and now in its 7th year, even this year's CHAN format is unusual with 18 finalists in five groups. Groups D and E have only three teams. Algiers, Annaba, Constantine and Oran will be the host cities as Algeria seek to bolster their credentials with a view to hosting a future Africa Cup of Nations.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1673611797labto1673611797ofdlr1673611797owedi1673611797sni@i1673611797tnuk.1673611797ardni1673611797mas1673611797
January 13 - Defending champions Morocco withdrew from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after hosts Algeria denied the Moroccans a direct flight to the country.
>In the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries since last year, direct flights between Algeria and Morocco have been suspended and following the insistence of the Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) to having a direct flight to Constantine on the country's national airline, Royal Air Maroc, and the subsequent refusal of the host country to allow such a flight, the Moroccans withdrew.
The tournament which begins today (January 13) with the opening match between Algeria and Libya at the new Baraki stadium in Algiers.
In a statement, the FMRF said: "(We) were informed on December 22 by CAF that an authorization in principle had been obtained. The obtaining of the final authorization has unfortunately not been confirmed. by CAF.
"The FRMF communicated the details of the flight plan and the coordinates in order to obtain the final authorization for the RAM flight from Rabat and continued the preparation of the trip and the participation in the CHAN."
The withdrawal will be a major embarrassment for the organizers and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Morocco are the defending champions and would have opened their title defense – seeking a third straight title – against Sudan on Sunday. Last month, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last four of the World Cup, elevating the status of the Atlas Lions to new heights.
The CHAN tournament is reserved for players based in their home country. The tournament takes place outside FIFA dates, which means that leagues and clubs are not required to release their players.
The hosts have however suspended their league for the duration of the finals. They will be managed by former Charlton Athletic and Rangers defender Madijd Bougherra. The Algerians are keen to claim Morocco's crown in a tournament that has been criticized for being unloved and unnecessary and often seems like a mere scouting exercise for European clubs.
First held in 2009 and now in its 7th year, even this year's CHAN format is unusual with 18 finalists in five groups. Groups D and E have only three teams. Algiers, Annaba, Constantine and Oran will be the host cities as Algeria seek to bolster their credentials with a view to hosting a future Africa Cup of Nations.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1673611797labto1673611797ofdlr1673611797owedi1673611797sni@i1673611797tnuk.1673611797ardni1673611797mas1673611797
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