In an Instagram story posted on his official account on Tuesday, September 8, Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat explained in a lengthy message that he would no longer make himself available for the national team as long as head coach Mohamed Ouahbi remains in charge. He described the decision as “very difficult” while reaffirming his attachment to Morocco and the national team.
“Representing Morocco has been the greatest honour of my career. Since my first call-up 12 years ago, I have given everything for my country and worn the national team shirt with pride. My love for Morocco and everything this team means to me will never change,” Amrabat wrote.
«I am not retiring from international football.»
— Sofyan Amrabat
The midfielder then explained that he no longer felt able to continue his journey with the Atlas Lions under the current coach.
“I do not feel able to continue representing the national team under the current head coach. I am therefore making myself unavailable for selection while he remains in charge,” he said.
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“I want to be clear: I am not retiring from international football, and I am not closing the door on representing Morocco Again,” he stressed.
The Moroccan international, however, did not wish to reveal the specific reasons behind his decision, preferring to keep them private “out of respect for the national team and everyone involved.”
A dispute that had already been mentioned after the World Cup
The announcement comes after the relationship between Sofyan Amrabat and head coach Mohamed Ouahbi had already drawn public attention following Morocco’s quarterfinal exit from the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
After the 2026 World Cup, Sofyan’s brother, Mohamed Amrabat, spoke about the Moroccan international’s situation during an appearance on Dutch public radio station FunX FM.
“I think he is very disappointed and completely fed up with this coach. But despite everything, we beat the Netherlands,” he said.
A few days later, Mohamed Ouahbi was asked about those remarks during a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. He said there was no conflict with the national team’s No. 4, while acknowledging the player’s strong personality.
“When we select the squad, we all sit together with the staff, and I was made to understand that if he came, he had to play, and if he didn’t, he would make his feelings known. The only thing I asked about him was whether he was working on the pitch. And I selected him. I made him understand that if I had called him up, it was because he could help us. When and where, I didn’t know yet,” Ouahbi explained at the time.
The decision announced by Sofyan Amrabat on Tuesday gives a new dimension to the episode. He also insisted that the door remains open for a future return to the national team.
“To my teammates, my brothers, and all the staff, I wish you every success. I will remain the team’s biggest fan, supporting you with the same passion I have always shown on the pitch,” the Atlas Lion concluded.
The Atlas Lions are set to host Gabon at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on September 25 before traveling to Bloemfontein, South Africa, to face Lesotho on September 29.
