After failing to obtain clearance from FIFA to represent Morocco where his parents hail from, Spanish-born Munir El Haddadi has lodged a joint complaint with Morocco FA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
The 22-year-old striker, who plays for Alaves in the Spanish league, had his request to represent the Atlas Lions turned down by the Players’ Status Committee last month on the grounds that he had already featured for Spain national team.
In September 2014, the former FC Barcelona man played 13 minutes with La Roja against Macedonia in an official match. In a communiqué published on Tuesday, the CAS confirmed the receipt of a joint appeal from the player and Morocco, who both requested a ruling by mid May.
Morocco are hoping for a positive verdict in order to name the player in their squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Lions are pitted against Spain, Portugal and Iran.
