Amrabat responds to Wahbi regarding "the official"

Sep 18, 2026

Moroccan international player Sofyan Amrabat, midfielder for Ajax Amsterdam, has broken his silence to respond to national coach Mohamed Wahbi's comments regarding his decision to withdraw from representing the "Atlas Lions" at this time, clarifying that the issue of starting positions was never a reason for his stance.

In a statement to ESPN, Amrabat expressed his surprise at Wahbi's interpretation, which suggested that Amrabat chose not to respond to the national team's call due to dissatisfaction with the minutes he was receiving.

Amrabat said, “I did not expect that. It seems a bit strange,” denying that he had ever requested a starting position in the national team.

The Moroccan player added, “I have never done that throughout my career, whether with any club I played for or with the national team.”

Amrabat emphasized that wearing the Moroccan national team jersey has always been a source of great pride for him, regardless of the number of minutes he plays, stating, “I have always played for my country with great pride. Representing the national team is the greatest honor a player can achieve, whether I play 90 minutes, 20, 10 minutes, or even if I don’t play at all.”

He referenced his experience during the last World Cup, where he was not a regular presence in matches, confirming that he remained committed to supporting his teammates and preparing in training despite that.

He said in this context, “Even during the World Cup, when I didn’t play, I was always ready for my teammates. I trained hard, and you can ask anyone about that.”

Amrabat, 30, denied that he had asked Wahbi for additional playing time, asserting that this does not align with his principles in football.

He explained, “I have never asked him for more playing time, and I will never do that. In football, you have to impose yourself and earn your place.”

The international player, who has made 78 appearances for the national team, also denied any personal conflict or altercation with Wahbi, confirming that their relationship has included many discussions that, according to him, took place in a good atmosphere.

Amrabat said, “He knows the reasons for my position. We have talked several times, and those discussions went well. I prefer to leave it at that.”

The Ajax player chose not to engage in public disputes with the national team coach, stating, “I don’t like exchanging accusations. This is not about me; it’s about the national team. He is the coach, so I wish him all the best, as well as the best for the national team.”

Amrabat had announced in a story on his personal Instagram account that he would not represent the national team under Mohamed Wahbi's leadership.

Wahbi commented on Amrabat's position during a press conference held yesterday at the Mohammed VI Football Center, saying, “The past grants the player respect and appreciation, but it does not grant him privileges within the national team,” explaining that the current situation and the minutes the player receives with his club are among the criteria used in the selection process.

The national coach clarified that the issue for Amrabat primarily concerns his lack of participation in matches recently, stating that “the problem for the player is in the minutes played,” referring to the importance of competitiveness and ongoing readiness before being called up to the national team.