World Cup nation forced to speak out amid claims manager has 'resigned'
Morocco have been forced to issue a statement after reports emerged over the future of head coach Walid Regragui just months before the FIFA World Cup.
The Africa Cup of Nations runners-up qualified for the World Cup last year, and have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland.
Head coach Regragui was in charge during Morocco's famous run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, where the African nation defeated Spain and Portugal before losing to France.
But their build-up to the 2026 tournament hasn't exactly been smooth, starting with their controversial defeat to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final last month.
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On Tuesday, captain Romain Saiss announced his immediate retirement from international football, having most recently featured for his country during AFCON before suffering a muscle injury in the group stages.
There have also been concerns surrounding Regragui's position amid criticism of his style of play and his failure to deliver silverware.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that his future was in 'serious doubt', with Morocco in discussions with a number of potential candidates, including Barcelona icon Xavi, over the possibility of replacing him.
Journalist Jamal Astaifi, meanwhile, took to Twitter to claim that the 50-year-old had already told Morocco players that he would not be in charge at the World Cup.
French outlet Foot Mercato claimed earlier this month that Regragui had offered his resignation, but this was swiftly denied by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Now, they have issued an unprecedented second denial regarding the latest reports.
"The Royal Moroccan Football Federation denies the information circulating regarding its separation with coach Mr. Walid Regragui," a short statement reads.
There is no further detail in the statement, leading to speculation over exactly whether it related only to reports of the coach's resignation, or if it signalled a definitive decision had been made over his future.
Regragui hasn't spoken publicly since Morocco lost the AFCON final to Senegal.
He accused Senegal coach Pape Thiaw of being 'shameful' after he led his players off the pitch in protest at a penalty decision given to Morocco in the second half.
Brahim Diaz missed the penalty once the players were convinced to return to the pitch by Senegal captain Sadio Mane, whose nation went on to score a winning goal through Pape Gueye in extra time.
"The image we've given of Africa is shameful," Regragui said. "A coach who asks his players to leave the field ... What Pape did does not honour Africa.
"He had already started in the [pre-match] press conference. He wasn't classy. But he is a champion, so he can say whatever he wants.
"We stopped the match, in the eyes of the world, for 10 minutes ... we were one minute away from being African champions. That's football. It's often cruel. We missed what, for some, was the opportunity of a lifetime."
Manager has already left role ahead of World Cup
If Regragui does depart Morocco, he would not be the first manager of a World Cup nation to step away from his role before the 2026 tournament gets underway.
On Monday, Curacao announced that head coach Dick Advocaat had resigned due to family reasons ahead of the island nation's first-ever World Cup. He has been replaced by former PSV boss Fred Rutter.
Advocaat, 78, will step back from the role 'to devote his full attention to his daughter, who is facing health issues'.
"I have always said that family comes before football," the former Sunderland and Rangers manager said. "This is therefore a natural decision.
"That said, I will greatly miss Curacao, its people, and my colleagues.
"I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career."
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Football, Morocco
Ryan Smart