Morocco Coach Vahid Halilhodzic Sacked Three Months Before Qatar World Cup

Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic, the head coach of Morocco men’s national team has been fired less than three months before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

A statement from Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) confirmed Halilhodzic has been dismissed, along with his entire coaching staff.

News of Halilhodzic dismissal came after rumors were heard over the past four months that a rift had opened up among Morocco’s players  including Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui.

Halilhodzic took over as coach of the national side in 2019 replacing Herve Renard who resigned following a surprise defeat to Benin in the opening match Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage.

A former Yugoslavia international who won the UEFA European U21 Championship and Ligue 1 with Nantes during his playing days, Halilhodzic started his coaching career in 1990 with Velez.

The 69-year-old manager had subsequent spells at Beauvais, Raja Casablanca, Lille and Rennes before a two-year stint with PSG, with whom he lifted the Coupe de France in 2004.

On the international scene, he was in charge of Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria and Japan.

Atlas Lions’ coach is speculated to be former Wydad coach Walid Regragui  ahead of Morocco’s participation in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.