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RABAT/DOHA, Dec 14 (Reuters) – Lots of of Moroccan soccer followers determined to achieve Qatar to observe their staff change into the primary from an Arab or African nation play in a World Cup semi-final have been left stranded on Wednesday as Morocco’s airline scrapped a number of further flights.
The cancellations, which Royal Air Maroc (RAM) blamed on the Qatari authorities, left travellers downcast however didn’t dampen a celebration temper within the North African nation earlier than Wednesday’s match towards France, Morocco’s former coloniser and now residence to many Moroccan gamers.
Morocco’s success to date has been cheered in bars or cafes from Baghdad to Bamako as followers have celebrated its victories towards prime ranked European groups, similar to Spain and Portugal, within the first World Cup hosted by an Arab nation.
Hundreds of Moroccans have already travelled to Qatar and a whole bunch extra had raced to purchase tickets on the final minute, with RAM promising extra tickets on 30 further flights. However a supply at a RAM journey company mentioned solely 14 flights had been scheduled.
“Following the most recent restrictions imposed by the Qatari authorities, Royal Air Maroc regrets to tell prospects of the cancellation of their flights operated by Qatar Airways,” the airline mentioned in an emailed assertion.
The Qatari authorities’s worldwide media workplace didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
Youssef Chippo, a Moroccan former nationwide staff participant working in Qatar as a commentator for BeIn sports activities channel, mentioned the flight cancellations have been linked to the arrival of many followers in Doha with out match tickets.
Moroccan followers have at instances scuffled with police in earlier knockout video games in Qatar, a rich however tiny nation, as hundreds of individuals arrived at stadiums with out tickets and tried to enter.
At Doha airport, followers arriving in a single day from Casablanca mentioned they anticipated to obtain tickets on arrival primarily based on what that they had learn on social media and within the Moroccan press. However they mentioned had not been given any.
“Ninety-five p.c of individuals on the airplane did not have a ticket,” mentioned Mohammed, a Moroccan fan exterior Al Janoub stadium in Qatar the place the match shall be held, ready together with his spouse and three youngsters within the hope of receiving extra data.
JUBILANT MOOD
In Morocco, the nation was in jubilant temper lengthy earlier than kick off. Flags fluttered from properties and buildings in an outpouring of nationwide pleasure. Faculty youngsters within the capital Rabat chanted soccer anthems.
“Morocco profitable would imply a lot for Muslims world wide,” Mohamed Zulfadhli Abd Rahman, a citizen of Brunei who was looking for a Morocco soccer shirt in Rabat, mentioned.
Pleasure within the success of an African staff has been felt far past Morocco’s borders.
No Arab nation had beforehand progressed to the quarter closing stage. No African nation had reached a semi-final.
“I really feel so excited that Morocco remains to be within the race to raise the World Cup. It will likely be a privilege for Africa,” mentioned Aureline Meli, 24, a administration assistant in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde.
After the quarter closing win towards Portugal on Saturday, congratulations poured in from African and Arab presidents, prime ministers and sporting legends.
In Rabat, billboards have been pasted with footage of particular person gamers or the entire staff, now sizzling property for advertisers of the whole lot from banks to telecom corporations. Within the previous metropolis, road distributors carried armfuls of memorabilia on the market.
A bus driver who was imagined to be driving 500 km (300 miles) from Rabat to town of Nador on Wednesday mentioned he would now depart on Thursday as a substitute.
“I’m delaying my departure till tomorrow to have the ability to benefit from the match,” he mentioned, asking that his title was not revealed so his employer didn’t get indignant with him.
Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi and Jihed Abidellaoui in Rabat, Andrew Mills in Doha and Amindeh Blaise Atabong in Yaounde; Writing by Angus McDowall; Enhancing by Edmund Blair
Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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