Between Spain and Morocco: Lekjaa comments on the decisions of Yamal and Diaz

Fouzi Lekjaa said he respects both the choice of Lamine Yamal, 16, who chose Spain over Morocco, and that of Brahim Diaz, 24, who decided to wear the Moroccan jersey. "We met Lamine Yamal and his parents. We told them about our project, but Lamine was already convinced to go with Spain. We wish him good luck," he told the Spanish media Marca. And he continued: "Spain and Morocco are separated by 14 kilometers. [...] Brahim will not be the last player to choose Morocco or vice versa. We are in a borderless world."

The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation mentioned the titanic work the federation is doing to convince dual nationals to join the Atlas Lions in the perspective of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup. "It’s not about convincing, it’s about explaining to the players the project that Morocco has for them. And then it’s the person who decides. Our project is very seductive: playing the 2025 Africa Cup at home; the 2026 World Cup; and the 2030 World Cup, also at home," he concluded.