Foot Africa Morocco Sack Vahid Halilhodzic Ahead Of World Cup

Moroccan football federation ends months of speculation over the fate of Vahid Halilhodžić by sacking the Franco-Bosnian coach at the head the Atlas Lions on Thursday.

Given the differences and divergent visions between the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and national coach Vahid Halilhodzic on the best way to prepare the national football team for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the two parties decided to separate.” The federation said in a statement.

Halilhodzic’s possible departure had been the cause of much speculation since Morocco’s tepid showing at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in January and, in particular, his fall out with star midfielder Hakim Ziyech.

Last year Halilhodzic accused the Chelsea player of feigning injury to miss out on mid-year friendly matches. And the coach left the Moroccan international him out of the World Cup qualifying campaign and the Cup of Nations finals.

Also Read : MOROCCO CAOCH DEFINITELY RULED ZIYECH AND MAZRAOUI OUT

But federation president Fouzi Lekjaa has been pressing for a return of the Dutch-born midfielder amid a public outcry at his absence, putting him at odds with his coach, who was appointed to the Morocco job three years ago.

Halilhodzic’s brusque manner was cited as the reason for Japan firing him after he had qualified them for the last World Cup in Russia.

He was dismissed just two months before the 2018 finals with the Japanese Football Association citing “communication” problems and claiming he had lost the trust of his players.

Halilhodžić had taken charge of the Moroccan national team back in August of 2019 due to his massive experience in African football.

In his three years in charge, he led the Atlas Lions to 30 games, of which he won 20, tied in seven, and only lost three.

In 2021, he had a disappointing run in the Africa Cup of Nations as he lost in the quarter-finals to Egypt national team.However, the Bosnian head coach then succeeded to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after thrashing DR Congo 4-1.

Despite that, the Moroccan fans weren’t happy with the performances, and rumours started to emerge about his sacking.

The rumours were confirmed today as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation officially announced that they have parted ways with the manager.

According to Moroccan reports, former Wydad head coach Walid Regragui will be the successor. And he’s expected to lead the Lions in the 2022 World Cup.


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