فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Amid growing speculation on social media regarding the future of Morocco’s national team coach Walid Regragui, a senior official from the Moroccan Royal Football Federation has categorically denied reports suggesting any intention to dismiss the head coach or to hire a foreign manager to lead the Atlas Lions.
In a statement to the media, the official confirmed that Regragui’s contract remains valid until the end of 2026, and there is no official decision to part ways with him before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which Morocco will host from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The spokesperson emphasized that Regragui still enjoys the federation’s full confidence, with the shared goal of leading the national team to continental glory.
The official added that Regragui’s future will be evaluated after the conclusion of AFCON, noting that the federation will assess the team’s performance and, if results are unsatisfactory, a mutual separation could be considered. He highlighted that Regragui is regarded as a national football icon after guiding the Atlas Lions to a historic semi-final appearance at the Qatar World Cup, earning him special appreciation from both fans and officials.
Despite Regragui’s strong record in the qualifiers, including 12 consecutive wins, the team’s recent performances have sparked widespread criticism from supporters, who recalled the case of former coach Vahid Halilhodžić, dismissed despite positive results due to poor overall play and lack of harmony with public expectations.
In a related development, reliable sources revealed that some national team players have expressed dissatisfaction with Regragui’s selections, especially those repeatedly called up but rarely given playing time. Omar Hilali was notably affected, having been summoned four times without playing a single minute, while teammates such as Adam Masina, Jawad El Yamiq, Chadi Riad, Abdelkabir Abqar, and Jamal Harkass received opportunities on the field.
The sources also indicated that Regragui had initially expressed a desire to rejuvenate the squad by introducing a new generation after the 2022 World Cup, a plan that raised optimism among observers. However, this approach gradually shifted back to relying on many of the established players, raising questions about the clarity of the coach’s tactical vision.
The federation concluded by reaffirming its ongoing trust in Regragui but stressed that this confidence is contingent upon the national team’s results at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which will serve as the true test of the coach’s tenure with Moroccan football.
