The Moroccan Football Federation has issued a firm denial of claims reported by the Spanish newspaper AS.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) rejected the allegations reported by AS, which claimed that Morocco offered incentives and pressured Lamine Yamal to consider switching his national allegiance to Spain.
Previously, observers noted that recent interpretations of FIFA rules would allow a player with dual nationality to switch national teams if certain playing conditions are met, including not featuring for the national team in a specified period and a limited number of appearances in official or friendly matches. While speculation circulated about Yamal’s future with Morocco, sources close to the matter suggested that a decision had already been reached, aligning with ongoing discussions within the sport’s governing bodies.
Official statement of the Royal Moroccan Federation
The FRMF asserted that the information published by AS is without foundation. The federation emphasized that it does not engage in any actions intended to influence a player’s national team choice, respecting the autonomy of players who have Moroccan roots but choose to represent another nation at the senior level.
The federation also highlighted its commitment to transparency and fair play. It noted the ongoing development plans for Moroccan talent across all national teams and categories, reinforcing that any movements or decisions by players are handled in accordance with established regulations and professional standards. The FRMF reaffirmed its support for the young talents involved and its intent to pursue future projects under the supervision of the National Technical Departments and the various national teams, in full compliance with current rules.
In the broader context, events like this underscore how national teams manage dual nationality issues and the attention these cases receive from fans, media, and federations alike. It also reflects the evolving landscape of international football where player choices, federation policies, and regulatory frameworks intersect in complex ways. The ongoing dialogue around Yamal’s future illustrates the balance federations strive to achieve between talent development, national identity, and competitive ambitions.