Benatia: "We want to keep Marseille players called up for AFCON until December 15, and we are still awaiting an official response"

Former Moroccan international and current Olympique Marseille sporting director, Mehdi Benatia, has revealed his position regarding retaining players called up to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations with their national teams.

Speaking on French radio station "RMC," Benatia said: "All clubs are working in the same direction to try and keep as many international players as possible who will be called up for the Africa Cup of Nations."

He added: "We are still waiting for an official response, and I want to believe that logic will prevail, and we will be able to keep them until December 15. For us, this means we will be able to count on them for our Champions League fixture and the Monaco game."

Regulations from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA typically require clubs to release their international players to their national teams starting December 8. However, some reports suggest that FIFA has allowed clubs to retain their players until the 15th of the same month.

Despite calls from some coaches for greater respect for African national teams in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Benatia's primary focus remains on the interests of his club.

The former Moroccan international continued: "I participated in four Africa Cups, so I faced this problem. I sometimes believe there is always a conflict of interest."

Marseille's sporting director affirmed: "I always say, and even last week when I met with some players regarding this matter and the national teams, that the interest is primarily the player's interest. So, am I proud to have players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations? Yes, I am proud of that, and I hope they return with the trophy, and if the Moroccan national team wins, I will be happy."

Mehdi Benatia concluded his remarks, stating: "We always try to look out for the player's interest when there are injuries or when it comes to player management." He finished: "During the transfer window, I knew that players would participate in the Africa Cup of Nations. In my first year, I believe we lost eleven players, and it was difficult to put together a team. We had a Coupe de France match in January, and the situation was very complicated due to the large number of departures."