Sofyan Amrabat has made himself unavailable for Morocco while Mohamed Ouahbi remains head coach, bringing an increasingly strained relationship between the midfielder and the national team manager into the open.
Amrabat, 30, announced the decision in a message on social media, but stressed that he had not retired from international football.
“Representing Morocco has been the greatest honour of my career.”
The former Manchester United player then explained why he no longer wished to continue under Ouahbi.
“I do not feel able to continue representing the national team under the current manager.”
He added: “I am therefore making myself unavailable for the national team as long as he remains in charge. I am not closing the door on a return to Morocco.”
Amrabat’s statement follows a significant reduction in his role since Ouahbi took charge. He had previously been one of the most important players in the Morocco side under Walid Regragui, particularly during the country’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup.
His physical strength, pressing and ability to shield the defence made him a central figure in that campaign, when Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
However, Ouahbi has altered the team’s midfield priorities, placing greater emphasis on technical ability, movement and quick combinations in tight areas. Ayyoub Bouaddi soon became an increasingly important part of the side alongside Neil El Aynaoui, while Amrabat’s status diminished.
The midfielder started only one match at the 2026 World Cup, against Haiti, with Morocco already certain to progress to the last 16. He did not come on against Brazil, Scotland or the Netherlands, and made only late substitute appearances against Canada and France.
His 78th international appearance, against France in the last 16, could therefore prove to be his final match for Morocco.
The breakdown in the relationship had been developing since the World Cup. Amrabat is understood to have been deeply frustrated by his treatment following the change in the coaching staff and the emergence of Bouaddi as a preferred option.
His older brother, Nordin Amrabat, who won 64 caps for Morocco, had already suggested after the tournament that the player was extremely disappointed by the way he had been handled. He also described Amrabat as being “disgusted” with the manager.
There is no clear public explanation of what happened inside the Morocco camp during the competition, or whether other factors contributed to the split. Amrabat’s latest message leaves open the possibility of a return if Ouahbi departs, although it remains uncertain whether the midfielder will play for the national side again.
Initial reactions on social media have appeared to be largely supportive of Ouahbi’s footballing decisions. Many Morocco supporters continue to hold Amrabat in high regard for his contribution to the national team, especially his outstanding performances at the 2022 World Cup.
However, relatively few have publicly backed his decision to make himself unavailable. A significant number believe Ouahbi was entitled to change his midfield hierarchy as he developed a different style of play.
Amrabat’s decision represents the latest stage in a dispute involving one of Morocco’s former senior figures and a coach who has chosen to move the team in a new direction. For now, the midfielder has not closed the door on international football, but his future with the Lions of the Atlas is uncertain while Ouahbi remains in charge.