Former Manchester United FA Cup-winner Sofyan Amrabat has taken a firm stance on his international future and released a strong statement
Sofyan Amrabat
Sofyan Amrabat has stepped away from Morocco(Image: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has made himself unavailable for selection by Morocco until the current head coach departs. Amrabat has kept his issue with Mohamed Ouahbi private and has made clear he is not retiring from international duty completely in a stunning statement on social media.
Morocco boss Ouahbi was appointed as the new head coach of the national team, replacing Walid Regragui, in March. Regragui quit the team less than 100 days before the World Cup.
"The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach," Regragui said. "I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup, a new vision to continue progressing. My decision to leave is part of this team's evolution."
Having coached through Morocco's age groups, Ouahbi was given that task. He guided the African team to the World Cup quarter-finals before they were knocked out by France, four years after they finished fourth in the tournament, having reached the semi-finals.
Ajax ace Amrabat, 30, started just one game in the competition hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He completed 90 minutes against Haiti, and came off the bench against Canada and France, but had to watch from the sidelines against Brazil, Scotland and the Netherlands.
The veteran has recorded 78 caps for Morocco and appears to have taken issue with his international manager before fixtures against Gabon and Lesotho in the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
Sofyan Amrabat and Erik ten Hag
Amrabat won the FA Cup with Manchester United(Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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"Representing Morocco has been the greatest honour of my career," he posted on Instagram. "Since my first call-up 12 years ago, I have given everything for my country and worn the national team shirt with pride. My love for Morocco and everything this team means to me will never change.
"This has been a very difficult decision, but I do not feel able to continue representing the national team under the current head coach. I am therefore making myself unavailable for selection while he remains in charge.
"Out of respect for the national team and everyone involved, I prefer to keep the reasons behind this decision private.
"I want to be clear: I am not retiring from international football, and I am not closing the door on representing Morocco again.
"To my teammates, my brothers, and all the staff, I wish you every success. I will remain the team's biggest fan, supporting you with the same passion I have always shown on the pitch.
"Thank you to the Moroccan fans for your love and support. Whether on the pitch or cheering alongside you, my love for my country will always remain the same."
Amrabat spent the season on loan at United in 2023/24, joining temporarily from Fiorentina. He became the first Moroccan to win the FA Cup after United defeated City, while Erik ten Hag was in charge of the club, but did not see the option to turn his loan permanent triggered.