Morocco Wins the Aynaoui Tug-of-War: AFCON Camp Arrival Despite Roma's Plans
15 December 2025
Morocco's decisive move to include Aynaoui
The Moroccan Football Federation secured a hard-won victory in its bid to have Nail El Aynaoui join the national team’s training camp, arriving on Monday to prep for AFCON, and skipping any plans to stay with Roma after tonight’s Serie A match against Como.
The federation's persistence prompted a FIFA letter that led Roma to be notified and to bar the inclusion of El Aynaoui in the evening fixture, allowing him to travel to Morocco on a charter flight arranged by the local federation.
Roma coach Gasperini reportedly pressed to keep him after the Como clash, while Walid Regragui insisted the player join the squad now, citing injury fears if he remained with the Italian club.
AFCON prep, three camps, and a club-side squeeze
Since opting to wear Morocco’s colors over France three months ago, El Aynaoui has attended three full camps, established himself as a starter in six straight matches, and even scored against Uganda.
The Serie A fixture Roma vs Como was set for December 15, 2025, at 20:45.
Meanwhile, the federation asked Real Betis to refrain from keeping Abdessamad Zelzouli, who plays for the Spanish side, in their squad.
Punchline 1: If drama were a football stat, this saga would be topping the charts. Punchline 2: The only thing heavier than this transfer tale is my coffee cup after 5pm.
