Morocco’s early outreach to Dutch-Moroccan footballers draws scrutiny after Ayoub Oufkir’s switch
A Dutch players’ agent describes the methods Morocco uses to attract young dual-nationality talents. Early contact, support for families and visits from officials: the strategy has prompted a reaction from the Dutch Football Association after Ayoub Oufkir chose to join the Atlas Lions.
At just 14, Abdellah Ouazane was received at the Moroccan consulate in Amsterdam, on Vondelstraat. The young Ajax player thus received special attention well before making his first appearances at the highest level. The example appears in an investigation by Algemeen Dagblad, republished by Het Parool, on the recruitment of footballers of Moroccan descent in the Netherlands.
On Bladi.net : The Netherlands see their 17-year-old gem choose Morocco
Another example came in May 2026, when Fathi Jamal, technical director of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, travelled to Brabant to meet Adam El Maach. The Helmond Sport goalkeeper was only 17 at the time. A photograph of the meeting was later posted on 11Lions’ Facebook page.
Families at the heart of Morocco’s strategy
According to a players’ agent interviewed by the Dutch daily, the Moroccan federation quickly approaches young footballers who could represent the kingdom. It has a permanent contact in the Netherlands for talents and their families. When players are called up to the national team, parents can often accompany their children without paying for their travel.
The policy also extends to youth teams. Feyenoord Rotterdam’s Ilian Hadidi is among the players called up by Morocco, while Ajax Amsterdam has seen its 17-year-old talent Imran Talan join the under-17 squad.
Ayoub Oufkir’s decision causes a stir
The issue took on a new dimension with Ayoub Oufkir. The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar striker, until then a Netherlands under-21 international, chose to represent Morocco. Just days earlier, Nigel de Jong, the KNVB’s director of elite football, and Michael Reiziger, the under-21 coach, had visited his club’s training ground to discuss his international future.
The Dutch federation expressed disappointment at the decision. It says it identified Oufkir’s potential early and held multiple discussions with him. His AZ coach, Leeroy Echteld, now believes discussions with dual-nationality players should begin earlier.
On Bladi.net : This Dutch gem is waiting for the call from Morocco
The KNVB is currently considering whether to step up its support for young people with multiple nationalities. On November 6, Nigel de Jong confirmed that the federation had tried, up until the previous week, to persuade Oufkir to continue his career with the Netherlands.
