El Salvador's Football Federation Cancels Match Due to FIFA Regulations
The Salvadoran Football Federation (FESFUT), led by its president Yamil Bukele, announced on Wednesday the cancellation of the scheduled friendly match between the national team and Morocco. This decision arises from regulations set forth by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), which prohibit teams from playing matches on two different continents during the same FIFA date.
According to Bukele, FESFUT received official correspondence from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, stating that for the match against El Salvador, which was set for June 3 in Maryland, United States, they would not be able to field their full squad beginning May 29, as initially planned. In light of this situation, Morocco proposed to host the match on June 2, covering all expenses for the Salvadoran team’s travel to Africa. However, Bukele noted in a post on the social media platform X that due to FIFA's regulations that prevent playing on two continents at the same time, the friendly match was ultimately canceled.
Despite this setback, Bukele confirmed that El Salvador will still play a friendly match against Qatar on June 6. Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup and faced El Salvador during the 2021 Gold Cup, will be the new opponent. However, it was clarified that, due to a decision by Qatari football authorities, the match will not be broadcast on television.
Looking ahead, Bukele promised that an official announcement regarding a second friendly match for La Selecta during this FIFA date will be made soon. Throughout 2026, La Selecta has participated in three matches, starting with a 1-0 victory in a friendly against Pachuca Select in Mexico. They also achieved a 2-2 draw against the Dominican Republic and a win against Martinique as part of the Concacaf Series friendly tournament. Additionally, El Salvador is set to face the American team, The Dreams Football Club, which is part of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).
As reported by diario.elmundo.sv.
