World football governing body, FIFA have rejected Morocco's bid to allow Munir El-Haddadi to switch allegiance from Spain.
Read: Enrique Sends Message To Traore After Spain Mali Call-Ups
While the Sevilla had made a late cameo for Spain in a European Championship qualifier in 2014, Morocco have confirmed that it his time with Spanish U21s that is the stumbling block.
The statement read:
This rejection is dictated by one of the clauses of the new statue concerning participation in the under-21 category.
In particular during three matches with the Spanish U-21 selection when he was two months older.
The decision is not motivated by the participation of El-Haddadi in the Spanish A team.
FIFA did change the rules last month which allowed players to change nations provided they met the criteria.
Munir, however, is not giving up on the matter and still hopeful of representing Morocco.
"I am not giving up and I will continue working to wear the shirt and represent the national team of Morocco," Munir wrote on Twitter.
Read: In Pictures: Ghana, Egypt Other African Giants Unveil New Kits
Click through the gallery below to see 12 Footballers Who Have Represented Two Countries
