Hakim Ziyech, the Chelsea winger rejected his chance to play for Morocco against Dr Congo in the 2022 World Cup play-off. The 28-year-old football player announced his rejection, his quitting international football, in February 2022 after his fallout with Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic.
According to Fouzi Lekjaa, President of Morocco the football federation (FRMF), Hakim Ziyech and another player involved in the dispute with Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic were included in the preliminary squad in Morocco. However, Hakim Ziyech brushed the speculations of why he would not be returning to play for his country, Morocco’s team and called the speculation misinformation about how much he is committed to his country and the North Africans.
He further said that he loves his country and playing for the national team of Morocco would be an honour of his lifetime. However, it is with great sadness he announced that even though FRMF President gave an announcement of his confirmation of the pre-selected team, he would not be able to return to play for the Morocco football team.
Since featured against Burkina Faso and Ghana, Hakim Ziyech has been engaged in the war of words with Halilhodzic, considering his presence and availability for international duty. He further added to his displeasure that despite his support and to the team in the past years, the leadership of the national team continues to spread misinformation about his commitment to his nation. He gave his best wishes to the Morocco team and thanked all who supported him throughout his association with the national team, as he shifts his focus at the Chelsea club.