Morocco Coach Regragui Denies Racism Claims, Reveals Death Threats Amid AFCON Controversy

"We went a bit too far. There were no blows given. This controversy was a bit too exaggerated for 48 hours. Between coach and players we know each other. To say that I made racist remarks is shameful," said Walid Regragui at a press conference on Tuesday. "I will defend my image to the end. I received racist and death messages. It illustrates everything that is happening in the world. Mbemba also received some. It’s not possible."

The coach of the Moroccan national team explained that he always shakes hands after the match. He says he learned from this incident that next time he should only shake hands with the coach and the referee, and not the players. Thus, he expressed regrets. "I might not have had to ask him to look me in the eye. It hurt me and it touched my family," he added. "In his interview, he (Chancel Mbemba, editor’s note) never talked about racism, that’s where society is sick. People take advantage of it and it got worse. And there are bad ones on both sides, I’m here to calm things down. I condemn the messages he received and mine."

Regragui deplores the lack of unity among Africans during this CAN: during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, "there was unity as a continent, while during the CAN, we talk about color and religion." He also asked to be heard by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The latter has opened an investigation into the incident.

Already qualified for the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN Côte d’Ivoire 2023), Morocco will face Zambia on Wednesday at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro at 8pm (local time), 9pm (Moroccan time), in the last group stage match. They will try to take the lead in Group F.