His departure was no longer really in doubt. At the helm of the Moroccan selection since 2019, Vahid Halilhodzic officially leaves his post. In a statement, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced the departure of the coach.
“Due to the differences of views between the FRMF and the national team coach, Mr. Vahid Halilhodzic, regarding the proper preparation of the Atlas Lions for the final phase of the World Cup in Qatar. 2022, both parties have agreed to amicably part ways,” the federation said.
“To this end, the FRMF thanks Mr. Halilhodzic for the work accomplished during his mission at the head of the national team, mainly the qualification for the next World Cup”, she adds.
During his time on the Moroccan bench, the Franco-Bosnian technician notably caused controversy by the non-selection of Hakim Ziyech, the country’s star striker.
3rd thanks before a World Cup
The Chelsea player had even declared that he no longer intended to play for Morocco, when he was only 29 years old. Recently, the selection led by Vahid Halilhodzic also disappointed at the African Cup of Nations, failing against Egypt in the quarter-finals (2-1).
“Vahid Halilhodzic wishes the national eleven every success in the future,” said the federation in its press release. For the former coach of PSG and Lille, the scenario repeats itself. Already in 2010, he had qualified Côte d’Ivoire for the World Cup, and had been thanked before the start of the competition. A story that repeated itself in 2018, when he was Japan coach.
For his succession, Walid Regragui, recent coach of Wydad Athletic Club, is strongly approached. He was assistant in the staff of Morocco between 2012 and 2013.