Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, aged 27 with 56 caps for his country, has been met with a significant decision regarding his future with the Atlas Lions.
Following a red card received on January 30 during the match against South Africa, which ended in a 0-2 defeat, Amrabat left the field before the final whistle, just as Morocco faced elimination in the round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite his involvement in subsequent matches during the March break, including a 75-minute appearance against Angola and being on the bench against Mauritania, Amrabat’s fate remained uncertain pending FIFA’s verdict.
FIFA Hands Down Suspension
The awaited decision from FIFA has now been delivered. In a communication directed to the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), FIFA has officially announced the suspension of the former Fiorentina player for two matches, as reported by Le360Sport.
Consequently, Amrabat will be unavailable for selection in Morocco’s upcoming fixtures against Zambia and Congo. These matches are crucial, as they constitute the third and fourth rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for June.
The suspension serves as a significant blow not only to Amrabat but also to the Moroccan national team, as they prepare for pivotal matches in their quest for World Cup qualification.
The absence of such an experienced player will undoubtedly pose challenges for the Atlas Lions as they strive to secure victories in their upcoming fixtures.
As Morocco navigates through the implications of Amrabat’s suspension, attention will turn towards identifying suitable replacements and strategies to overcome this setback.
With the stakes high in the World Cup qualifiers, the team will need to adapt swiftly to ensure they remain on course to achieve their objectives on the international stage.