FIFA and CAF Intervene to Allow Morocco’s Participation in AFCON U 17

After a diplomatic standoff threatened their participation, Morocco’s men’s team has confirmed that they will compete in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 tournament in Algeria, which begins this weekend.

The Young Atlas team will compete in Pool B alongside Nigeria, Zambia, and South Africa, with their first match scheduled against the West Africans on April 29.

Morocco’s decision to participate in the tournament came after FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF boss Dr Patrice Motsepe intervened and resolved the dispute between Morocco and Algeria, with Royal Moroccan Federation President Faouzi Lekjaa accepting to send the team after being allowed to board a direct flight to Algeria.

Morocco’s participation in the tournament had been in doubt earlier this year when they were forced to pull out of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in February due to a lack of direct flights to Algeria.

The tournament will take place from April 29 to May 16 across four cities in Algeria, including Algiers, Annaba, and Constantine.

The top four teams from the tournament will qualify for this year’s Under-17 FIFA World Cup.