Legal disputes and acrimony have replaced the accolades and euphoria for Morocco’s national soccer team ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Morocco became embroiled in controversy after hosting the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations — three years after the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals.
Morocco’s astonishing run to the semifinals at the tournament in Qatar — with knockout stage wins over Spain and Portugal, with whom the kingdom will co-host the 2030 World Cup — electrified fans and galvanized support across Africa for the team.
But the chaotic Africa Cup final against Senegal in January is still fresh in the memory after Morocco was declared the champion two months after losing the match 1-0 in extra time.
Champions of Africa?
Senegal initially was awarded the Africa Cup trophy after beating Morocco in the final on
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