Football: FIFA officially validates Rayane Bounida’s choice for Morocco

The outcome is now administrative and official. FIFA documents confirm that the transfer of Rayane Bounida from the Belgian federation to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was validated on March 25, 2026. The 20-year-old player, who currently plays for Ajax Amsterdam, is therefore fully qualified to represent the Kingdom.

On Bladi.net: A gem turns his back on Belgium and chooses Morocco

This approval seals a firm decision announced a few days earlier by the player. On March 21, the prodigy had informed the Belgian leaders that his "heart beats for Morocco". The Belgian federation had taken note of this choice with regret, maintaining its strict line of conduct: never to retain a player through financial overbidding or sporting promises.

Belgium’s latest attempts have therefore not been enough to reverse the trend. Recent exchanges on his sports project with director Vincent Mannaert and U21 coach Gill Swerts proved fruitless. Rayane Bounida is thus turning his back on a long career with his former training country, having accumulated 41 youth selections, including two matches played with the U21s last year.

On Bladi.net: Between Morocco and Belgium, Rayane Bounida has made his choice

This defection also confirms the current difficulties of Belgium in retaining its binational gems. The governing body is experiencing disappointments, having recently seen Chemsdine Talbi also join the Moroccan fold.

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