Morocco parted company with coach Walid Regragui on Thursday, three months before the World Cup, with the country’s football federation naming Mohamed Ouabi as his replacement.
Regragui departed despite leading the Atlas Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and the final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
“I leave my post with loyalty, gratitude and the certainty that I have served my country,” he announced in a live televised ceremony, confirming weeks of persistent rumors that he was on his way out.
Read moreExperts say Mexico will make a ‘strong show of security’ ahead of World Cup
Ouabi, 49, has been promoted to the role of overseeing Morocco’s victory at the Under-20 World Cup in October, a move the federation describes as a “strategic transition” ahead of the World Cup in North America in June and July.
“It’s a desire not to waste time and take a different direction,” a source close to the Moroccan federation told AFP.
“By appointing Mohammed Owabi and welcoming top-level reinforcements, we are raising our standards and our demands,” the source said.
Morocco will be in Group C with five-time World Cup winners Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.
They begin their campaign against Brazil at the MetLife Stadium outside New York City on June 13 and will be hoping to make a big impact in the tournament before co-hosting the 2030 edition with Spain and Portugal.
“Our ambition is to consolidate our position among the best nations in a sustainable way and to perform well this summer and in 2030,” Moroccan confederation leader Fouzi Lekja said recently.
Read moreFormer FIFA chief Sepp Blatter has joined calls for a World Cup boycott against Trump’s policies
Regragui was hailed in 2022 after Morocco became the first African nation in World Cup history to reach the semi-finals, defeating Spain and Portugal.
However, Regragui paid the ultimate price for the manner in which Morocco lost to Senegal in the recent AFCON final.
His side were beaten 1-0 after extra time at the end of a match marred by Senegal’s decision to walk off the pitch in protest at a controversial late penalty awarded to the hosts.
With the game goalless, the penalty award caused trouble in the crowd, which included Senegalese fans, 18 of whom were jailed after disrupting the game.
Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz finally got a penalty after a long delay but his kick was saved and Senegal went on to win the match.
(With FRANCE 24 AFP)
(tags to translate)Sport
