The Atlas Lions will play under a new manager in the upcoming tournament.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed the sacking of Vahid Halilhodzic as the national team’s manager.
The decision comes only three months before the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. It marks the third time Halilhodzic has to leave a national team after securing their spot in the World Cup.
Ivory Coast sacked the Bosnian before the 2010 World Cup, while Japan dismissed him just before the 2018 games.
Morocco lost only three of their 30 games under Halilhodzic, claiming 20 victories. The most likely reason for the federation’s decision is the Atlas Lions’ poor display in the last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Halilhodzic’s side crashed out of the tournament after losing 2-1 to Egypt. However, they managed to qualify for the Qatar World Cup after smashing DR Congo 4-1.
The departure of Halilhodzic might convince Hakim Ziyech to return to the national team. Following a feud with Ziyech, the Bosnian manager exiled him from the national team, claiming the winger had faked an injury to avoid playing for the Atlas Lions.
According to local media, former Wydad AC boss Walid Regragui will replace Halilhodzic as the new Morocco manager.
The Atlas Lions will compete against Croatia, Belgium, and Canada in Group F of the 2022 World Cup.
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