Morocco FA technical department faces claims of internal power struggle

The technical department of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is reportedly at the centre of conflicts, political manoeuvring and rivalries, with an extensive public disclosure of the allegations expected to follow.

Investigative journalist Romain Molina says the department, known as the DTN, has become engulfed in disputes and what he describes as underhand tactics. He claims the situation has persisted because of a taboo surrounding the matter, with the people involved allegedly holding damaging information about one another.

The continued presence of Olivier Meurillon as Ludovic Batelli’s assistant with the Morocco Under-20 team is presented as a notable example. Meurillon retained the role despite difficulties experienced during the tenure of former technical director Fernando Da Cruz.

Batelli’s appointment in March has also raised questions. The French coach had spent four years without managing a team, prompting speculation about the influence that may have secured him the position.

Batelli, a former coach of France’s youth teams, may have benefited from an established professional network, according to insider Youssef, who is regarded as being close to the FRMF. Youssef portrays the network as a group with longstanding connections across Moroccan football.

Among those allegedly linked to the circle are Meurillon, who previously worked with Batelli with France’s Under-18 and Under-20 teams and at the Toulon Tournament; Da Cruz; Tiago Lima Pereira, the former coach of Morocco Under-17s; and Ricardo Formosinho, the coach of FUS Rabat.

Joao Sacramento, assistant to Morocco national team manager Mohamed Ouahbi, is also said to be connected to the group.

Alleged links with Portuguese coaches

Several people in the network are reportedly linked to Jose Mourinho, the Real Madrid coach. Formosinho and Sacramento are among those who have previously worked with Mourinho.

Youssef further claims that the network’s influence has extended into Moroccan football at club level. Several Botola sides have either appointed or tried to appoint Portuguese coaches, according to the insider.

The origins of the alleged network remain unclear, as does the identity of the person directing it and the extent of their influence.

However, the claims point towards Da Cruz, who is particularly suspected of having played a central role in the system before leaving his position in June last year.

Youssef believes the network is now disappearing. Batelli is reportedly the only remaining figure from the group still in place.

The allegations have not been independently substantiated, and the situation remains unresolved.