Amrabat-Ouahbi Rift: Morocco Midfielder Puts International Career on Hold

Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, now playing for Ajax, has announced he will not be available to join up with Morocco as long as Mohamed Ouahbi remains head coach, in a statement posted on his official Instagram account.

A tough call, but not a retirement

Amrabat stressed that his decision does not amount to an international retirement, saying he is not closing the door on a future return to the national team, and that his love for Morocco and attachment to the shirt will not change. The midfielder chose not to reveal the exact reasons behind his decision, out of respect for the national team and everyone involved.

Tension dating back to the World Cup

The rift between Amrabat and Mohamed Ouahbi traces back to Morocco's run at the 2026 World Cup, where the coach started him just once, against Haiti, preferring to rely on Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield. Amrabat logged only 145 minutes across the whole tournament, coming on as a substitute against Canada and France while missing the rest of the games.

Key facts

• Amrabat is making himself unavailable for Morocco while Ouahbi remains coach.
• The player rules out any international retirement.
• Ouahbi started him just once at the 2026 World Cup.
• Amrabat joined Ajax in late August 2026 after leaving Fenerbahçe.