Fulham star’s Morocco debut ignites PR battle with Senegal
Issa Diop’s international debut for Morocco has ignited a fresh public relations battle with Senegal.The Fulham defender started for the Atlas Lions during Friday’s 1-1 draw against Ecuador in Mad...
Fulham star’s Morocco debut ignites PR battle with Senegal Issa Diop’s international debut for Morocco has ignited a fresh public relations battle with Senegal. The Fulham defender started for the Atlas Lions during Friday’s 1-1 draw against Ecuador in Madrid. Consequently, his arrival marks a significant coup for Moroccan football amid an ongoing continental dispute.
Diop previously represented France at the Under-21 level. However, FIFA recently approved his application to switch nationalities. The 29-year-old was born in France to a Senegalese father and a Moroccan mother.
He initially held out hope for a call-up from Didier Deschamps. Nevertheless, the lack of interest from Les Bleus prompted his decision to join Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad. This debut coincides with a bitter legal feud over the Africa Cup of Nations title.
CAF recently stripped Senegal of their trophy following a controversial final in Rabat. During the match, Senegal walked off the pitch to protest a decisive penalty awarded to Morocco before emerging as the winners after full-time. Issa Diop Morocco debut ignites bitter PR battle with Senegal Consequently, the governing body declared Morocco the winners.