organizing the CAN is “more and more complicated”, deplores Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic

Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic expressed his fears for the next African Cup of Nations in Cameroon on Thursday (December 16th), the organization of which is “more and more complicated“because of the Covid-19 and the threat from European clubs not to release their internationals.

“With the health situation, it is more and more complicated and difficult“, he declared the day after the threat brandished by the European Association of Clubs (ECA) not to let their players take part in this competition, already postponed for a year and which is scheduled from January 9 to February 6. “There is a big question, will it take place or not? For now, it’s a big battle between different lobbying groups. The players are forced to come to the national team, but all the clubs are doing everything to prevent the players from coming, some have threatened players, told them that they could lose their place, be transferred … “, he said.

“Presumably it will be a big deal to have all the players playing in Europe“, he continued, recalling that Moroccan players played in England, Spain, France or Italy.”For my part, if the player does not come, that means that his attachment to the national team is not present enough. I can refuse to take in the group someone who refuses to come, even if the threat exists from the clubs. He can say goodbye to the national team“, warned Vahid Halilhodzic.

Asked Wednesday about the persistent rumors of cancellation or new postponement of the tournament, a senior leader of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fécafoot) described these speculations as “fake news“.