Morocco: Ouahbi responds to Amrabat, “no place is guaranteed”

Mohamed Ouahbi addressed the withdrawal of Sofyan Amrabat from the Moroccan national team on Thursday, September 17. The head coach of the Atlas Lions stated that there is no personal conflict between him and the midfielder, and warned that no position is guaranteed in his squad.

In a press conference, the coach summarized his stance with a straightforward phrase: “the past earns respect, not privileges.” He emphasized that his selections are based on current form and competition, including for key players who have participated in Morocco’s major campaigns.

Amrabat announced on September 8 that he would no longer make himself available for selection as long as Ouahbi remains in charge, while clarifying that he is not retiring from international duty. The Moroccan midfielder left the door open for a potential future return..

Ouahbi expressed understanding for the frustration of a player whose playing time has decreased with the arrival of new competitors. He assured that no disrespectful exchanges have occurred with Amrabat and that a return remains possible if the sporting criteria are met again.

This clarification comes as Morocco prepares for its opening matches in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Atlas Lions are set to host Gabon on September 25 before facing Lesotho on September 29.

On Thursday, Ouahbi revealed a list of 29 players for this international window, excluding Sofyan Amrabat, in line with the decision announced by the midfielder nine days earlier.