Libya moves to naturalise Moroccan player for national team

The issue of naturalizing professional players in the Libyan Premier League has resurfaced, with increasing discussions about the Libyan Football Federation's efforts to include new names in the Mediterranean Knights squad. The name of Moroccan Noufel Zarhouni, striker for Al-Ittihad Tripoli, has emerged among the candidates to represent the national team in the upcoming period.

According to news reports close to the Libyan Football Federation, Al-Zarhouni is receiving significant interest within the corridors of the national team, with a move to start the procedures for his naturalization and change of sporting nationality in preparation for his joining the senior national team.

The sources indicated that the Libyan Football Federation wishes to benefit from the services of the player, who is 31 years old, especially since he has never represented the Moroccan national team. Reports have suggested that Al-Zahrani does not mind the idea of obtaining Libyan citizenship and wearing the jersey of 'Knights of the Mediterranean' after spending years in Libyan stadiums.

These moves come as the Libyan Football Federation aims to enlist a number of foreign professionals active in the Libyan Premier League by naturalizing them in preparation to benefit from their abilities during the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification for 2027, as well as the finals if the national team succeeds in qualifying.

Al-Zahrouni, a former FUS Rabat player, joined Ittihad Tripoli in 2024, coming from Moroccan club Raja Casablanca, and succeeded in delivering remarkable performances that made him one of the standout players for the team over the past two seasons.

The name of the Moroccan striker comes as the Libyan Football Federation is close to finalizing the naturalization of Malian player Fily Traoré, who has already obtained a Libyan passport and acquired citizenship, while he awaits the completion of his eligibility procedures from FIFA to become eligible to represent the national team.