FIFA has announced that Real Madrid's Club World Cup semi-final against Cruz Azul on Tuesday will be held in Marrakech rather than Rabat.
The decision came to light following yesterday's match between the Mexican club and Sydney Wanderers, when it became clear the state of the turf at the Prince Moulay Abdellah was not suitable to host such a prestigious fixture, amidst heavy rainfall in the region [pictured above].
A statement on FIFA's official website read: "Due to difficult pitch conditions at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah Rabat, the FIFA Organising Committee has decided after consultation with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to play match 4 (Cruz Azul FC v. Real Madrid CF) in Marrakech and not in Rabat as previously scheduled. The match will kick-off on Tuesday 16 December at 19:30 local time."
Cruz Azul Coach Luis Fernando Tena complained about the issue after his side's 3-1 victory over the Australians, in which an already-delicate pitch was worsened by torrential weather conditions and poor drainage.
"I would advise [FIFA] to change the game's venue to Marrakech instead of Rabat. It'd make for a better match and be played under secure conditions. We want to play Real Madrid, but only under normal conditions," he told reporters.
"With so much water on the grass, we couldn't play football. When the game started it was not so bad, but then it got worse. Hopefully the organisers can fix it within three days, although it won't be easy."
The beaten trainer Tony Popovic offered a similar view, adding: "Our match against Cruz Azul should have been suspended."
Rabat oversaw light drizzle this morning, while mild rainfall has been forecast for Sunday night and Monday morning, but it is Marrakech which will host Madrid's curtain-raiser, some 324km away from the original venue.
The stadium is also due to host the other semi-final involving San Lorenzo and Auckland City before the final next Saturday.
