RABAT: Real Madrid’s Club World Cup semifinal against Cruz Azul on Tuesday has been moved from Rabat because of the poor state of the pitch at the Prince Moulay Abdellah, FIFA said on Sunday.

The European champions will now face their CONCACAF counter-parts in Marrakech, which also hosts Wednesday’s second semifinal and Saturday’s final.

“FIFA and the LOC (local organizing committee) thank the teams and all stakeholders for their flexibility,” said FIFA in a statement, adding that the decision was down to “difficult pitch conditions” in Rabat.

“All ticket holders will be informed about further steps in due course on FIFA.com.”

Cruz Azul battled past Asian champions Western Sydney Wanderers, winning 3-1 on a waterlogged pitch in Saturday’s quarterfinal.

“The whole 120 minutes was disgusting,” Wanderers goalkeeper Ante Covic said in a TV interview.

“It was absolutely farcical what happened out there and it’s unacceptable to me. The conditions are hard enough as it is and we’ve copped some decisions that have ultimately given them the game. There is no other way to talk about it.

“It was never going to be a pretty game with the conditions but to me... it’s embarrassing. You can’t play football on that (pitch), full stop.”

South America champions San Lorenzo will face Oceania champions Auckland City in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Barcelona fullback Dani Alves is unavailable for Tuesday’s King’s Cup last-32, second leg match at home to third-tier Huesca after picking up a hamstring strain in Saturday’s 0-0 La Liga draw at Getafe.

Brazil international Alves is also a doubt for Barca’s La Liga match at home to Cordoba on Saturday, their final outing before the two-week winter break, Barca said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es) on Sunday.

Luis Enrique’s side should have little trouble securing their place in the last 16 of the Cup as they lead 4-0 from the first leg at Huesca. They would play Elche or Real Valladolid for a place in the quarter-finals.

Barca’s stumble at Getafe meant they lost ground on leaders Real Madrid and are four points behind their arch rivals in second after 15 matches.