The Moroccan national football team, known as the Atlas Lions, was dealt a blow as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the suspension of coach Walid Regragui for four matches. This decision, stemming from an altercation with Chancel Mbemba, has left the Moroccan camp disgruntled.
Morocco, a team widely regarded as a tournament favorite after a successful 2022 World Cup, entered the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with high expectations.
Walid Regragui’s squad topped Group F in the group stage, securing seven points with a 3-0 win against Tanzania, a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a 1-0 victory over Zambia.
However, the victory over Zambia was bittersweet, as the Atlas Lions played the match without Coach Regragui, who was suspended by CAF just hours before kick-off.
The suspension follows an investigation into Regragui’s altercation with Chancel Mbemba, resulting in a four-match ban, two of which are suspended.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation promptly released a statement expressing its disagreement with the suspension, stating, “coach Regragui did not violate at no time the values of Fair play.”
The federation announced its decision to appeal the “unfair decision.”
In Regragui’s absence, his deputy, Rachid Benmahmoud, took charge on the sidelines. Benmahmoud defended Regragui, stating, “We received the news around 3 p.m.
For us, Walid could never say a disrespectful word. I was present, he did nothing. On the contrary, it was the player who provoked us during the match, and Walid did not respond.”
Benmahmoud emphasized Regragui’s commitment to the development of football on the continent and refuted accusations of racism against the coach.
He expressed confidence in the FRMF (Royal Moroccan Football Federation) to defend Regragui’s rights, noting that an appeal had already been filed.
The Moroccan players, coaching staff, and federation rallied behind Regragui, with statements from key players like Sofyan Amrabat describing the coach as “our brother, our father.”
Amrabat expressed bewilderment over CAF’s decision, calling it “surprising” and hoping for a positive resolution in the coming days.
As Morocco advances to the knockout stage, the absence of Coach Regragui on the bench remains a topic of concern and contention, with the team expressing hope for a favorable decision from CAF.
