Man United launch Fifa appeal after feeling ‘unfairly penalised’ by Noussair Mazraoui’s AFCON exit

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Manchester United were forced to face Bournemouth at Old Trafford without Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui.

In the build-up to the match, Ruben Amorim stayed quiet on AFCON availability, refusing to say whether or not the trio of Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui would be available.

When United’s line-up vs Bournemouth was announced, it was confirmed that both Amad and Mbeumo had been given permission by their national teams to play in the match, but there was no sight of Mazraoui.

Who will be Manchester United’s most important attacking player when Mbeumo and Amad depart for the AFCON?

Who do YOU think is going to STEP UP?

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Fifa’s ruling for AFCON was that clubs had to release players on December 15 – the day of the Bournemouth match.

Man United appeal Noussair Mazraoui AFCON exit

According to Sky Sports, United have raised an appeal with Fifa regarding Morocco’s refusal to allow Mazraoui to play in the 4-4 draw against Bournemouth.

The report adds that United feel “unfairly penalised” as Mazraoui would have been eligible to play if the match was scheduled over the weekend instead of on a Monday evening.

IF Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui aren’t available… who replaces them in each position?🤔

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As a result of the scheduling, other Premier League clubs had full availability of their AFCON stars while United were left short.

It is added that there is no animosity towards Mazraoui, who remained professional throughout the process. United are also “appreciative” of Ivory Coast and Cameroon for giving Amad and Mbeumo permission to play.

Noussair Mazraoui will kick-off AFCON next week

The key difference between Mazraoui and Amad or Mbeumo, is that Morocco are the host nation for AFCON this year and will therefore open the tournament with the first match.

Morocco face Comoros on Sunday, December 21 – the same date that United travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in the Premier League.

READ MORE: Key dates for Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui at AFCON 2025 with Man Utd stars absent

In contrast, Amad and Mbeumo have extra days to rest. Ivory Coast begin their tournament against Mozambique on Christmas Eve, just hours before Mbeumo’s Cameroon kick-off against Gabon.

United will be without the trio for the next few weeks, although their returns will depend on how far their nations progress in the tournament.