Ugo El Kadmiri will not join Morocco’s Under-20 squad for the UNAF tournament in Egypt, despite initially being named in Ludovic Batelli’s selection.
The withdrawal has raised questions over the international direction of the 19-year-old Olympique de Marseille forward, who holds both Moroccan and Swedish nationality. El Kadmiri has previously represented Sweden at Under-18 level but had appeared to be favouring Morocco for the Under-20 age group.
No reason has been given for his absence. It is not known whether the player is dealing with a minor physical problem, has encountered a late logistical issue or has chosen to delay a decision over his international future.
According to youth talent scout Wayz, El Kadmiri was included in Batelli’s original squad for the UNAF U20 tournament, which features players born in 2007 and 2008. Wayz later confirmed that the Olympique de Marseille striker would not report for the training camp, without providing further details.
That decision is unexpected given the apparent progress made towards Morocco in recent months. The tournament would have represented El Kadmiri’s first involvement with the Lionceaux de l’Atlas at Under-20 level, but that opportunity will now have to wait.
His situation is attracting particular interest because he is beginning to establish himself around Marseille’s first team.
Born in Marseille to a Moroccan father and Swedish mother, Ugo Lamare El Kadmiri spent a short period at the PSG academy in Rabat before joining the Olympique de Marseille academy at the age of 12.
Standing 1.94m tall and favouring his left foot, he offers a distinctive profile in attack. Swedish publication VM-Fotboll described him as a tall goalscorer with a “dangerous left foot”.
His scoring record has also helped him draw attention. Last season, he scored 14 goals in 15 matches for Marseille’s Under-19 side and made his first appearances in Ligue 1. Since turning 15, he has scored 26 goals in 47 national-level matches for the club’s various youth teams.
This season could provide further momentum in his development. Olympique de Marseille have frequently faced criticism over the opportunities given to players from their academy, but the club’s financial constraints have altered the situation. El Kadmiri has already made three Ligue 1 appearances and is also included on Marseille’s B list for the Europa League.
His increasing first-team exposure could also renew Sweden’s interest, after he had already represented the country at youth level.
However, his decision not to join Morocco cannot currently be taken as evidence that he has switched allegiance. A one-off withdrawal remains possible, and at 19 he still has several options regarding his international career.
Morocco had appeared ready to bring him into its plans for the first time. It will now have to wait to discover whether this missed opportunity is only a temporary setback or the beginning of renewed competition with Sweden for his services.