Morocco’s outgoing coach Regragui explains controversy with successor Ouahbi

Walid Regragui has addressed the controversy surrounding his reaction during the official presentation of Mohamed Ouahbi as the new head coach of the Morocco national football team.

The incident occurred last Thursday during the formal unveiling of Ouahbi, an event that was meant to mark the beginning of a new chapter for Morocco’s national team.

However, the ceremony sparked debate after Regragui declined to take part in a symbolic moment alongside his successor.

At the end of Ouahbi’s speech, Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), invited Regragui to join the stage.

The outgoing coach was asked to hold up the national team jersey together with Ouahbi and pose for a photograph — a traditional gesture during coaching transitions.

Regragui, however, politely declined the request. The moment quickly drew attention on social media and in the sports press, with some observers speculating that there might be tension between the two coaches.

In response to the growing discussion, the former Atlas Lions manager spoke in an interview with AlMountakhab to clarify his decision and dismiss suggestions of conflict.

According to Regragui, his refusal had nothing to do with any disagreement with Ouahbi.

Instead, he explained that he wanted to ensure that the spotlight remained entirely on the new national team coach during what he described as a historic moment.

“The president of the federation invited me to go up on stage to take part in the presentation of my colleague Mohamed Ouahbi,” Regragui said. “But I refused because I believe that presenting a national team coach is a historic moment that will remain in people’s memories.”

He added that the moment belongs to the newly appointed coach and should not be shared in a way that could shift attention away from him.

“No one should overshadow him at that moment,” he explained. “The image that we, as coaches, are proud of is when we present the national team jersey with our name on it.”

Regragui further stressed that his decision was taken out of respect for Ouahbi’s new role and the significance of the occasion.

By stepping aside, he wanted the new coach to enjoy the full recognition and symbolic importance that accompanies such a presentation.

“There is therefore no misunderstanding,” he said. “By refusing to go on stage, I simply respected Ouahbi’s right to have his moment, and he understood that very well.”

The clarification appears to have eased speculation, reinforcing the message that the transition in leadership of Morocco’s national team was conducted with mutual respect between the outgoing and incoming coaches.