Sofyan Amrabat has announced his temporary withdrawal from the Moroccan national team, stating he will not make himself available for selection as long as Mohamed Ouahbi remains head coach of the Atlas Lions. The midfielder confirmed his decision in a statement published on his Instagram account, emphasizing that while he is stepping away from international duty, he is not officially retiring from international football.
The Instagram Announcement and Terms of Withdrawal
The Moroccan midfielder revealed his decision via social media, explaining that representing his country has been the highlight of his career. “This decision was extremely difficult to take,” the player wrote in his statement, adding that he will not make himself available for selection as long as the incumbent coach stays in charge.
“Out of respect for the national team and for all the people involved, I prefer to keep private the reasons that motivate this decision,” he noted. He explicitly pushed back against any notion of an permanent exit, writing: “I want to be clear: I am not retiring from international football and I do not close the door to a new representation of Morocco in the future.”
Underlying Tensions Following the World Cup
This public break follows mounting friction that became apparent after Morocco’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup. During the tournament, Ouahbi deployed Amrabat sparingly, handing him only one start—against Haiti—while preferring a midfield partnership of Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi. Across the tournament, Amrabat logged just 145 minutes on the pitch, making substitute appearances against Canada and France while missing other key fixtures.
Following Morocco’s elimination by France in the quarterfinals, the player’s brother, Mohamed Amrabat, spoke to Dutch radio station FunX FM to voice the family’s frustration. He claimed that the midfielder felt deeply disappointed and had grown tired of the coach’s management. At the time, Ouahbi downplayed any rift, publicly insisting that the player had caused no issues within the squad and remained an important piece of the setup.
Support for Teammates and Upcoming Fixtures
Despite his standoff with the coaching staff, the midfielder made a point to encourage his international teammates and the backroom staff. “To my teammates, my brothers, as well as to all the staff, I wish you much success. I will remain the biggest supporter of the team,” he shared, thanking Moroccan supporters for their ongoing backing whether he watches from the pitch or the stands.
This standoff leaves a notable void in the squad just as the Atlas Lions prepare for competitive action.
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