Mahmoud Bentayg faces FIFA hurdle over proposed Morocco-to-Egypt switch

Mahmoud Bentayg is considering changing his sporting nationality to represent Egypt, but a legal expert says the Zamalek defender may struggle to secure FIFA approval.

The Morocco international has been at the centre of speculation after Egyptian reports claimed he wanted to switch allegiance. Moroccan reports denied that he was considering the move, but the player’s agent, Youssef Mosaad, confirmed that discussions were taking place.

Mosaad told Moroccan newspaper Al3omk that he was surprised by Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi’s decision to leave Bentayg out of the latest squad. He said Egyptian officials had suggested that Bentayg represent Egypt and that the player was studying the possibility, despite previously prioritising Morocco.

Reports have also claimed Bentayg had contacted FIFA to ask whether a change of sporting nationality was possible and was waiting for a response.

FIFA eligibility requirements

Lebanese legal expert Ralph Charbel told Kooora that FIFA requires several conditions to be met before a player can represent a country other than his country of birth, provided he has never played for that country at any level.

The player must first hold the nationality of the country he wants to represent and must also meet at least one of four criteria: he was born there; one of his parents was born there; one of his grandparents was born there; or he lived there for the required period.

That period is at least three years for players who began living in the country before turning 10, and at least five years for those who moved there after turning 10.

Bentayg was born in Casablanca to Moroccan parents. He is currently married to an Egyptian woman, the daughter of Ahmed Suleiman, a member of Zamalek’s board.

The 26-year-old has lived in Egypt since joining Zamalek from French club Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2024, meaning he has been in the country for about two years.

Arab Cup appearances may prove decisive

Charbel said Bentayg would also need to have made no more than three appearances for Morocco’s senior team and would have to wait at least three years since his most recent international match.

Bentayg did not play for Morocco at youth level, but he appeared for the senior side at the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar last year.

He made four appearances in the tournament, coming on as a substitute against Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Morocco won all four matches. He was an unused substitute in the opening games against Comoros and Oman, both of which ended in draws.

Bentayg helped Morocco win the tournament under manager Tarik Sektioui, who now manages Oman.

Charbel said FIFA has recognised the Arab Cup as an official competition under its jurisdiction since 2021. That means Bentayg’s appearances count as official international matches, even though Morocco used a second-string squad without Europe-based professionals.

“Based on the available information, it will be difficult for Bentayg to change his sporting nationality at this time,” Charbel said.

However, he added: “It is not possible to be certain that FIFA will reject Bentayg’s request, because I do not have full knowledge of the legal documents and arguments the player may submit.”