Morocco: FRMF hits back over Lamine Yamal

Of Moroccan descent, Lamine Yamal has chosen to play for Spain. But under FIFA rules, the Barcelona prodigy can still switch to the Atlas Lions, since he has not yet won 3 caps with La Roja. The 16-year-old has 2 caps (1 goal) for the senior side. On Tuesday 10 October, Spanish daily AS claimed that Morocco wanted to lure the young star away, and were prepared to put money on the table. The Moroccan federation has now broken its silence to put an end to the rumours.

"The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) categorically denies the false information published in the Spanish sports daily "AS" in its edition of Tuesday 10 October 2023. In this article, journalist Joaquin Maroto claims that the Spanish player of Moroccan origin Lamine Yamal was allegedly put under pressure and offered money to join the Moroccan "A" national team", the statement reads at the outset.

The governing body then continues: "The FRMF states that these alleged accusations are totally unfounded. The Federal body recalls that it has respected the choices of the player Lamine Yamal, as is customary with internationals of Moroccan origin who have opted to wear the colours of other national teams, despite the efforts made by those involved in this process of scouting and identifying young talent, in full compliance with the regulations in force and in line with future projects with clear objectives set by the National Technical Directorates of the various national teams, across all age categories". A statement that usefully sets the record straight.

Also read: Morocco: Ziyech ruled out of games against Ivory Coast and Liberia