Morocco Threatens To Boycott CHAN 2023.

The two-time champions of the African Nations Championship might not defend their crown in Algeria next month following a diplomatic dispute with host nation Algeria.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation said the home base Atlas Lions will compete in the competition on the condition that there is a direct flight from the Moroccan capital Rabat to the Algerian city of Constantine – where Morocco will play their group games.

Last year, Morocco and Algeria severed diplomatic relations which barred the  Moroccan military and Commercial aircraft from a direct flight to Algerian airspace.

Their disputes have been linked to multiple issues – including contested Western Sahara – a territory that Morocco annexed in 1975 and that Algeria-backed Sahrawis have long sought independence.

In a letter to the African Union, the Football Federation demanded that the national team be able to fly directly to Constantine on a private aircraft of Royal Air Maroc, the official carrier of Morocco’s national teams.

The Algerian government is yet to issue a response to the demands.

The Seventh edition of the African Nations Championship will run from January 13 to February 4.

It should be noted that this is a tournament meant for home-based players – aimed to test the strength of the African local championships.

Morocco will against Sudan, Ghana, and Madagascar in the Group Stage.

Morocco became the first defending champions to successfully defend their CHAN crown when they defeated Mali in the 2020 final in Cameroon.