Morocco and Spain locked in fierce battle over Barcelona star

African giants Morocco are reportedly taking football governing body FIFA to court in a bid to recruit Spanish and Barcelona star Munir El Haddadi, before World Cup scheduled for June 2018.

According to Fox Sports, the Court of Arbitration for Sports gave a statement that they have received an appeal from El Haddai seeking to overturn a ruling that was made by FIFA which blocked him from transferring his allegiance from Spain to Morrocco

The arbitration body also revealed that the Moroccan Federation have also filed similar appeal, with the interest of bringing in the Barcelona star into their fold.

FIFA regulations bar players from switching their allegiance after taking part in a competitive match. Munir El Haddadi having played for Spain in the European qualifiers in 5-1 win against Macedonia in 2016 would therefore be ineligible.

El Haddadi has roots in Morocco and is seemingly interested in switching camp perhaps to get the game time as Spanish squad looks more competitive and too cumbersome to break into. Morroco will have to face Spain in Pool B with other opponents being Portugal and Iran.