Algeria Football – To restore his image after dismissing one of the greatest players in the history of Morocco, Hakim Ziyech, the king is relying on a bold strategy.
Morocco recently rolled out the red carpet for brothers Ismail and Islam Naurdiev, rising MMA figures of Russian origin, by granting them Moroccan nationality. In a gesture that sparked numerous comments, King Mohammed VI approved this naturalization by royal decree, offering the two athletes an exceptional privilege: exemption from the five-year waiting period before being able to access public functions, as prescribed by article 17 of the Moroccan law on nationality. This privilege, reserved for people who have made significant contributions to the country, illustrates Morocco’s desire to promote MMA and attract international talent.
However, this gesture raises criticism. Some observers believe that such decisions are not enough to restore the image of King Mohammed VI, especially after the recent controversies surrounding the treatment reserved for Hakim Ziyech, the winger of the Morocco team. Indeed, the dismissal of Hakim Ziyech from the Morocco team, in a context of severe criticism for his positions in favor of Palestine and against the normalization of relations with Israel, created tensions and heated debates.
Thus, for some, the reception given to the Naurdiev brothers does not compensate for the controversy linked to Ziyech, perceived as a fervent patriot and influential representative of Morocco on the international scene. This choice of naturalization seems to be part of a strategy of openness to foreign talents, but for many Moroccans, more is needed to restore the image of the monarchy and its values in the face of popular expectations.
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