AFL: Moroccan FA clears air on denying Enyimba chartered flight landing permits

By Wale Mustapha

The Moroccan Football Federation, FRMF has denied allegations of non-issuance of landing permits to chartered aircraft bringing Enyimba FC for the second leg, quarterfinal clash of their African Football Levque, AFL against Wydad Casablanca.

The People’s Elephants were due to take on Wydad Casablanca for the return fixture of the inaugural competition on Wednesday but CAF has shifted the match by a day to their flight hitches.

In a statement issued by the football authorities in Maroc on Tuesday, the Moroccan football body explained that Enyimba filed the application late which ought have been processed 72 hours before the arrival.

This led to late issuance of Air Operator Certificate, AOC by the country’s Department of Air Transport, DTA to the airline conveying Enyimba to the country.

“The FRMF explains that the Direction du Transport Aérien (DTA) received an initial request for a flight authorization from Enyimba FC on Monday October 23, 2023 at 12:03 pm,” FRMF spokesman said in a statement.

“After examining this request, the DTA asked for additional information to provide it with the updated AOC and – Charter agreement and information on the GMMN-GMML section of the requested route.

“The additional information was received at “6.40 pm, and the following day at 8.30 am, 8.51 am and 9.36 am”, explains the DTA, which points out that the procedure for granting flight authorizations stipulates that any ad hoc request must be sent 72 hours before the flight is due to take place.

“The FRMF points out that the DTA issued the required authorization once the file had been completed,” the statement reads.

The second leg of the match between Wydad Casablanca and Enyimba will not take place on Thursday at the same venue and kickoff time.

Wydad are holding a first leg advantage following their 1-0 first leg victory in Uyo on Sunday.