Lions of the Atlas: Offended by Bounida’s call-up, Couhaib Driouech threatens to walk away

The pill is hard to swallow for the 22-year-old player. While the national coach preferred to call up Rayane Bounida as a reinforcement, whose change of sporting nationality had just been officially validated by FIFA, Couhaib Driouech has shown his annoyance. Subsequently, he has simply unsubscribed from the official Instagram account of the Moroccan national team.

On Bladi.net: Football: FIFA officially validates Rayane Bounida’s choice for Morocco

The striker did not stop there and posted a particularly scathing message in his personal story: "Some people never understand what you bring to the table until they see you at another table." An English quote that sounds like a very clear warning addressed to the Moroccan technical staff.

This media outburst takes on a worrying dimension given the player’s status. While he brilliantly won the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations under the Moroccan colors, the native of IJmuiden has still not played a single minute in an official match with the senior team. From a regulatory standpoint, his international choice is therefore not yet definitively sealed.

On Bladi.net: Couhaib Driouech: why Morocco must remain vigilant

This cold spell could well rekindle the interest of the Netherlands. The winger had repeatedly declined calls from the Dutch youth teams to avoid freezing his future, a decision respected by the Netherlands staff who gave him the "necessary time" without pressure. Faced with this snub from Morocco, the PSV player could be tempted to reconsider his options.