Morocco axe Chelsea star Ziyech for 'indiscipline' during Ghana friendly

Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has been left out of Morocco's squad for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Sudan and Guinea due to indiscipline

Morocco head coach Vahid Halilhodzic has disclosed that Ziyech exhibited unacceptable behaviour in camp during their international friendlies against Ghana and Burkina Faso in June this year.

The 28-year-old had refused to train with the explanation that he was injured and was reluctant to warm up after being dropped on the bench.

Medical checks to ascertain if he was injured came up false as the player was fit to play.

The former Ajax midfielder was later introduced into the game against the Black Stars which he registered an assist as Jawad El Yamiq scored to secure a win for the North African side.

“His behaviour in the last two matches, especially the last one, was not that of a national team player who as a leader in the team has to be a positive role model" Vahid Halilhodzic revealed why the Chelsea star was omitted from the squad for the World Cup qualifiers.

“He arrived late and after that, he even refused to work. There was no point in discussing it afterwards, as a coach the answer is right there to see. For me, the national team is above everything, nobody can hold it, hostage,"

“For the first time in my coaching career, I have seen behaviour that disappoints me. A player who refuses to play a game, admittedly a friendly, on the pretext that he is injured.

“The medical staff made several examinations and said he could play. He then refused to warm up in the second half because he was disappointed to be a substitute.

“For me, that type of behaviour is unacceptable. You can't cheat with the national team. You are 100% there or you are not,” Halilhodzic added.

The Atlas Lions will be with Hakim Ziyech for their doubleheader against Sudan and Guinea in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.