High-flying Morocco pull out of CHAN after failing to get Algerian landing slot

January 13 – Defending champions Morocco have withdrawn from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after hosts Algeria refused the Moroccans a direct flight into the country.

With no diplomatic ties 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) on having a direct flight to Constantine on  the country’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc, and the subsequent refusal of the host nation to allow such a flight, the Moroccans have pulled out.

The tournament that kicks off today (January 13) with the opener between Algeria and Libya at the newly-built Baraki Stadium in Algiers.

In a statement the FMRF said: “(We) were informed on December 22 by CAF that an authorisation in principle had been obtained. The obtaining of the final authorisation has unfortunately not been confirmed by CAF.

“The FRMF has communicated the details of the flight plan and coordinates in order to obtain final authorisation for the RAM flight from Rabat and continued the preparation of the trip and the participation in CHAN.”

The withdrawal will come as a major embarrassment to organisers and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Morocco are the reigning champions and would have opened their title defense – in search of a third consecutive crown – against Sudan on Sunday. Last month, Morocco became the first African nation ever to reach the last four of the World Cup, lifting the status of the Atlas Lions to new heights.

The CHAN tournament is restricted to players based in their home countries. The tournament takes place outside of FIFA dates which means that leagues and clubs are not under the obligation to release their players.

The hosts however have suspended their league for the duration of the finals. They will be led by former Charlton Athletic and Rangers defender Madijd Bougherra. The Algerians are keen to claim the crown from Morocco in a tournament that has been criticised for being unloved and unnecessary and often seems to act as little more than a scouting exercise for European clubs.

First organised in 2009 and in its 7th edition, even the format of this year’s CHAN is unusual with 18 finalists spread across five groups. Groups D and E have only three teams. Algiers, Annaba, Constantine and Oran will serve as the host cities as Algeria seek to build their credentials with an eye on staging a future Africa Cup of Nations.

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