Sofyan Amrabat refuses to play for Morocco, Ouahbi responds: “The past grants no privileges”

“Amrabat is someone who has given a great deal to the national team, someone very important who was part of Morocco’s great campaigns. That must not be taken away from him,” Mohamed Ouahbi said this Thursday, September 17, at a press conference.

The manager acknowledges that the player’s new sporting situation may be difficult to accept. “His disappointment is not easy to deal with. It is not easy to accept the arrival of young players and the fact that you play less,” he explained.

The response comes nine days after Sofyan Amrabat announced that he would no longer play for Morocco under Mohamed Ouahbi. The midfielder has not retired from international football, but declared himself unavailable for as long as the current manager remains in his position.

On Bladi.net : Ouahbi Amrabat World Cup Playing Time Morocco Coach

At 30, Amrabat remains one of the faces of Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. He has 78 caps, but his playing time fell sharply during the 2026 World Cup, where he started only one of the six matches played by the Atlas Lions.

Ouahbi invokes meritocracy

Mohamed Ouahbi answered the question of the status of historic players directly. “The past earns you respect, not privileges. We decide who plays based on meritocracy and current form,” he declared.

The manager nevertheless denies any altercation with the player. “There is no conflict between Amrabat, me or the staff,” he assured, adding that no disrespectful discussion had taken place between them.

He also says he is not permanently closing the door on the Ajax Amsterdam midfielder. “The door is never closed to anyone, and no place is guaranteed,” Ouahbi concluded. A return therefore remains theoretically possible, but under the same sporting conditions as for the other internationals.

On Bladi.net : Sofyan Amrabat in Limbo

In his message of September 8, Amrabat explained that he no longer felt able to represent Morocco under the current manager, without making the precise reasons for his decision public. He nevertheless reaffirmed his attachment to the Lions and stated that he hoped to be able to return one day.