Morocco’s Ziyech Absent from National Squad Amid Gaza Comments Controversy

Hakim Ziyech’s absence from the list leaves room for several interpretations. The comments are rife. Some Moroccan internet users believe that this absence is linked to the player’s recent publication and his firm stance against the genocide in Gaza. In a post on his Instagram account, the Moroccan midfielder expressed his dismay at the end of September after watching a video posted on social media showing Israeli soldiers shooting down a young Palestinian, before throwing his body off the roof of the building. "Let’s make one thing clear...!! To hell with Israel and all the countries that support this kind of behavior. Freedom for Palestine," he demanded.

The Moroccan international did not refrain from openly criticizing the Moroccan government for its silence on the "ongoing genocide" in the Gaza Strip. "My message is also for the Government of our own country that supports the genocide. Shame on you, enough," he added. Other Moroccan internet users consider his absence natural, as he lacks competitiveness. They say he only resumed training with Galatasaray this week, after more than three weeks of absence due to an injury. He should follow a special program taking place in the Turkish club’s gym and in collective training, under the supervision of the team’s physical trainer.

The absence of other players such as Achraf Dari, Yahya Attiat-Allah and Amine Harit has also elicited reactions from internet users. They are surprised that Harit has been left out while he is performing well with his club, Olympique de Marseille. They also criticized the call-up of Youssef En-Nesyri who is going through a worrying slump with his club, Fenerbahçe, and whose level is well known to the technical staff and the public. They wonder why Regragui called him up when he could have given a chance to new players like Amine El Ouazzani.