Morocco has officially been ruled out of the 2022 African Nations Championship
Africa's football governing body, Confédération Africaine de Football, CAF, has confirmed changes in fixtures at the ongoing 2022 CHAN in Algeria.
CAF has decided to change fixtures for three matches, with two of them involving the initial host of the competition, Morocco.
Why Morocco is not in Algeria
As reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, Morocco withdrew from the 2022 edition slated for Algeria.
The Atlas Lions, who had won the last two editions, decided to stay away from the competition after they were denied a direct flight by their neighbours, the host, Algeria.
Diplomatic ties between the two north African giants were severed by Algeria in 2021, with all direct flights between the two countries suspended as a result.
Consequently, the Atlas Lions confirmed their withdrawn through Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF), who stated that the defending champions won't defend their crown in Algeria after CAF failed to assure them of a place to land in Algeria.
CAF's decision
After two rounds of matches in the 2022 CHAN, CAF has now made a final resolution as it concerns Morocco.
According to the governing body, the matches between the Atlas Lions, Madagascar and Ghana have now been cancelled and will no longer go on as planned.
The latest development was made public through a statement from CAF following a resolution from the body's organising committe for CHAN.
"In line with the resolution of the Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Organising Committee for the CHAN, Morocco vs Madagascar is no longer taking place," CAF stated in a statement.
"Ghana vs Morocco is no longer taking place," CAF added.
CAF also confirmed a change in another Group C game, with the game between Sudan and Madagascar moved from Oran to Constantine.
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