In a surprising development that has alarmed Moroccan sports fans, media reports indicate that Walid Regragui, the head coach of the Moroccan national team, has officially resigned from his position. This news comes at a particularly critical time, less than four months before the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, leaving the team's future uncertain.
Background to the decision and its sensitive timing
According to sources close to the national team, Regragui's decision, if true, did not come out of nowhere. Leaks suggest that the immense pressure associated with upcoming competitions, most notably the World Cup, and the high expectations from fans and the media, may be the main reason that prompted him to consider resigning. It's worth noting that Regragui took over from Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodžić in August 2022, in a move aimed at restoring stability to the national team and resolving the disputes that existed with key players like Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui, bringing them back into the squad before the global tournament.
General context and history of the "Atlas Lions"
This controversy comes at a time when the Moroccan public was optimistic about the appointment of a national coach who had achieved remarkable successes, most notably leading Wydad Casablanca to the CAF Champions League title. Regragui was seen as the right man for the job, capable of uniting the team and achieving a historic feat at the World Cup. The Moroccan national team, with its rich history as the first Arab and African team to reach the second round of the World Cup in 1986, carries the hopes of millions, and any setback at this juncture could negatively impact the team's preparations, especially given that they were drawn into a difficult group with Belgium, Croatia, and Canada.
Expected impact and uncertain future
Domestically, these reports came as a major shock to fans who had high hopes for Regragui. If the resignation is confirmed, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, headed by Fouzi Lekjaa, will find itself in a race against time to find a competent replacement capable of leading the team in the World Cup. Regionally and internationally, the departure of a coach just months before the World Cup is seen as an indication of administrative and technical instability, and could negatively impact the image of Moroccan football, which is striving to establish itself as a leading force in Africa and the Arab world. The final decision rests with the Royal Federation, which will determine Regragui's fate by either accepting the resignation or rejecting it and attempting to persuade him to reconsider for the good of the national team.
