Amrabat Withdraws From Morocco Under Ouahbi
Amrabat Withdraws From Morocco Under Ouahbi
Anonymous
Key Points
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Morocco’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in June and July 2027.
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Morocco will host Gabon on September 25 before facing Lesotho four days later in Bloemfontein, South Africa, at a neutral venue.
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Mohamed Ouahbi replaced Walid Regragui as Morocco coach in March, marking a change from the staff under whom Amrabat helped the team reach the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
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Amrabat said he would remain the national team’s “biggest fan” despite making himself unavailable for selection.
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The Dutch-born midfielder recently signed for Ajax Amsterdam, according to reports.
Sofyan Amrabat has withdrawn from Morocco's national team while Mohamed Ouahbi remains head coach, but the 30-year-old Ajax midfielder stressed he has not retired from international football Reuters. In an Instagram statement, Amrabat called the decision difficult and said he would not disclose his reasons out of respect for the team. He will miss Morocco's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon on September 25 and Lesotho four days later Middle East Online.
The move marks a significant shift for Amrabat, who was instrumental in Morocco's run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals under previous coach Walid Regragui Reuters. Ouahbi took over in March, replacing Regragui. Amrabat left the door open for a future return to the squad and promised to remain the national team's 'biggest fan' despite his unavailability Middle East Online.
Reduced Playing Time Sparks National Team Exit
Amrabat's decision appears rooted in diminished opportunity under Ouahbi's leadership. The midfielder's limited role at the 2026 World Cup and increased midfield competition reportedly drove the choice YS Scores. At 30 years old, Amrabat likely felt his time with the national team was being wasted. His move to Ajax this year was meant to revive his career after struggling for consistent minutes elsewhere.
Amrabat was a pillar of Morocco's golden generation that reached the World Cup semifinals just four years ago Reuters. His status has clearly shifted with the coaching change. Without explaining publicly why Ouahbi's appointment bothered him, Amrabat signaled through his unavailability that trust with the new regime had broken down completely.
Morocco Faces Africa Cup Qualifiers Without Star Midfielder
Morocco opens its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign without one of its most experienced players. The tournament will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in June and July 2027 SG Head Topics. Amrabat's absence weakens the midfield for matches against Gabon at home on September 25 and Lesotho at a neutral venue in Bloemfontein, South Africa four days later Middle East Online.
The qualifiers are critical for Morocco to build momentum toward the 2027 tournament. Losing Amrabat's experience and midfield control complicates Ouahbi's plan to reshape the squad. Other nations will note the internal friction as they prepare their own campaigns in a wide-open qualification race.
Door Remains Open for Future Reconciliation
Amrabat's carefully worded statement suggests his withdrawal is conditional, not permanent. He specifically said he will not play 'as long as the current coach continues,' implying he could return if Ouahbi is replaced El Botola. This language protects his legacy while making clear his current position is non-negotiable. Many players use similar phrasing when conflict with management runs deep but relationships remain salvageable.
Whether Amrabat ever wears the Morocco shirt again depends on Ouahbi's future with the team. If the coach is fired or steps down, pressure will mount for Amrabat's return. For now, the midfielder has chosen to preserve himself for Ajax while signaling his grievance with Morocco's coaching situation Reuters.
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