Morocco: Halilhodžić lifts the veil on the behind-the-scenes of his departure before the World Cup | OneFootball

Halilhodžić: It wasn't a technical decision, but a dispute over prerogatives

Halilhodžić / @x.com/SCCR_212/

Former Morocco head coach Vahid Halilhodžić has opened up about the circumstances of his unexpected departure from the helm of the Atlas Lions just months before the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

"It wasn't a sporting decision"

The Bosnian coach was keen to clarify that his exit was not due to results or the team’s performances, but rather a dispute over his managerial prerogatives.

Speaking to the Egyptian channel On Sport, Halilhodžić explained that the disagreement revolved around the final squad list for the World Cup.

He claims he refused to include certain names suggested by the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, considering it interference in his role as coach.

Sticking to his principles, the Bosnian manager insists that his refusal hastened the end of his tenure—despite an impressive qualifying campaign: seven wins, one draw, and no defeats.

In conclusion, Halilhodžić stated he no longer wishes to publicly revisit his time in charge of the Moroccan national team.