ANGRY Moroccan fans are up in arms against Fifa over the lack of tickets for their last-16 showdown with Spain.
Like fellow North African side Tunisia, the Atlas Lions have been roared on by huge crowds in Qatar.
But ex-pats in the Gulf state and those back home are now accusing tournament chiefs of pricing them out of backing “Avocado head” Walid Rekragui and his team as they bid to go make Moroccan football history.
Cities across the country have witnessed scenes of wild delight as Rekragui’s side topped Group F with wins over Belgium and Canada and a draw with Croatia.
That has only led to the demand for tickets, with the state airline Royal Air Maroc scheduling a series of flights to Doha for supporters to travel.
But fans have complained the tickets are simply not available with claims black market prices have gone up by £200 or more.
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Social media users accused tournament bosses of “manipulating” the situation because “Fifa does not want the Moroccan supporters to attend”.
That complaint has been vehemently denied by world chiefs, but it is a signal of how much of an impact Rekragui and his team have made.
The coach, who now jokes about what was originally a derogatory nickname aimed at his bald head, made the key decision to restore Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech to his squad after the wide-man was booted out by Bosnian predecessor Vahid Halilhodzic.
Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri said: “The coach has brought happiness to us as a squad – and we are now bringing that happiness to the people.
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“It means so much that we have managed to achieve this dream of getting through the group.
“But now we are determined to continue the dream in Qatar with the same will, the same determination and perseverance.
“We are not going to get intimidated by Spain and what they represent.
“Our focus will be on ourselves, our abilities, and the possibility of presenting a level worthy of the Moroccan national team in order to continue the adventure successfully.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
