Sofyan Amrabat Draws the Line With Morocco as Midfielder Refuses to Continue Under Mohamed Ouahbi

Sofyan Amrabat has drawn a clear line over his Morocco future, announcing that he will make himself unavailable for selection while Mohamed Ouahbi remains in charge of the national team.

The 30-year-old midfielder delivered the stunning announcement on Tuesday, bringing an abrupt pause to his international career just weeks before Morocco begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

But this is not an international retirement.

Amrabat was careful to leave the door open to a return, making it clear that his decision is specifically linked to the current coaching regime.

The midfielder's blunt position was summed up by his message:

"“Under this coach, I’m not gonna continue.”"

His decision immediately creates one of the most significant selection issues facing the Atlas Lions following the 2026 World Cup.

Amrabat's message goes beyond a simple omission

Amrabat's announcement was not framed as a temporary absence or a decision to step away from football altogether.

He said the decision had been extremely difficult but that he did not feel capable of continuing to represent Morocco under the current head coach.

He will therefore make himself unavailable for selection for as long as Ouahbi remains in the position.

At the same time, Amrabat deliberately avoided publicly explaining the precise reasons behind his decision, saying he preferred to keep them private out of respect for the national team and everyone involved.

That distinction matters.

Rather than closing the door on Morocco, Amrabat has effectively placed his international future on hold until the coaching situation changes.

A relationship that had already attracted attention

The announcement comes after questions had already surrounded Amrabat's role under Ouahbi.

Ouahbi replaced Walid Regragui as Morocco head coach in March 2026, beginning a new chapter for the Atlas Lions.

Amrabat remained part of the squad for the World Cup, but his role became significantly smaller.

He started only one of Morocco's six matches at the tournament, while younger midfield options increasingly entered the picture. Reuters also noted the emergence of Manchester City midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as one factor in the changing midfield landscape.

The situation had already generated discussion around Amrabat's position within the squad.

Now, the midfielder has made his own position unmistakably clear.

From World Cup hero to a crossroads with Morocco

Amrabat's importance to Morocco has never been in serious doubt.

He was one of the defining figures of the Atlas Lions' historic run at the 2022 World Cup, when Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

That tournament transformed Amrabat into one of the most recognisable members of the golden generation.

His importance extended beyond his performances in midfield. He became synonymous with the intensity, physicality and defensive discipline that characterised Morocco's remarkable run.

That makes his latest decision particularly significant.

This is not an inexperienced player walking away after failing to establish himself.

It is an established international who has represented Morocco for years deciding that, under the current circumstances, continuing is no longer something he is prepared to do.

Morocco now face a major selection headache

The timing could hardly be more awkward for Morocco.

The Atlas Lions are preparing for the start of their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with Gabon scheduled to visit Morocco on 25 September before the team faces Lesotho four days later in South Africa.

Amrabat will not be available while Ouahbi remains in charge.

That removes considerable experience from a midfield already undergoing transition.

However, it also gives Ouahbi an opportunity to accelerate the next stage of Morocco's midfield evolution.

The emergence of younger players means the national team does have alternatives.

The question is whether Morocco can replace what Amrabat provided — particularly his experience in major tournaments and his ability to operate in physically demanding matches.

This is not necessarily the end

Perhaps the most important sentence in Amrabat's announcement was the one that could easily be overlooked.

He has not retired from international football.

The Ajax midfielder explicitly stated that he is not closing the door on representing Morocco again.

That means his international career remains dependent, at least in part, on what happens next with the national team.

If Ouahbi eventually leaves his position, the circumstances could change.

A future coach could potentially restore Amrabat to the squad.

For now, however, the midfielder has chosen to step away.

He also made clear that his affection for Morocco has not changed, saying he will continue supporting the national team and remain one of its biggest fans.

That makes this less of a farewell than a line drawn in the sand.

A remarkable Morocco career enters an uncertain chapter

Amrabat's decision leaves Morocco facing an unusual situation.

One of the key players from their greatest-ever World Cup campaign has voluntarily made himself unavailable — but has simultaneously insisted that his international career is not over.

The message is therefore bigger than the headline.

Amrabat has not walked away from Morocco.

He has walked away from representing Morocco under the current coaching setup.

Whether that remains the case for months or becomes the beginning of a much longer separation will depend on what happens next in the Atlas Lions' dugout.

For now, one thing is certain: Sofyan Amrabat has made his position clear.

And Morocco must move forward without him.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Amrabat deserves respect for being honest about a difficult situation rather than quietly disappearing from the squad.

🔥 Fire: His experience remains valuable and Morocco will feel his absence.

😮 Shock: A player who was central to Morocco's historic World Cup run is now unavailable to the national team.

👍 Like: Amrabat has not closed the door on Morocco and has made it clear that his love for the country remains.

💬 Comment: Should Morocco try to resolve the situation and bring Amrabat back, or should Ouahbi move forward with the next generation?