Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has rejected suggestions that match officials have been favouring the host nation at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, describing such claims as damaging and unfounded.
In recent days, some pundits and supporters have alleged that refereeing decisions at AFCON 2025 have been lenient towards Morocco.
However, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s semifinal clash against Nigeria in Rabat, Regragui firmly dismissed the accusations.
“It’s always a shame when we go down this path,” Regragui said. “People want others to believe that matches are always won this way. On the African continent, doubts and controversies are often created, but this narrative is unfair.”
The Moroccan coach also challenged journalists to apply balance in their analysis of refereeing decisions, noting that inconsistencies are part of football worldwide.
“A penalty can be given in one match and not in another. A handball is called in one game and ignored in the next,” he explained. “I watch many matches because we have players across Europe, and the same controversies exist everywhere in Africa and in Europe.”
Regragui insisted that officials at the tournament are doing their best and pointed to incidents that went against Morocco as evidence that the team has not benefited from preferential treatment.
He referenced two moments from Morocco’s 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Cameroon, where he felt penalties could have been awarded but were not.
“One of their defenders steps on Abde Ezzalzouli’s ankle with VAR, that could be a penalty,” he said. “In another situation, the goalkeeper comes out and puts both hands on Ismael Saibari’s head. That is also a penalty, but neither decision was given.”
The former Wydad Casablanca coach said he has instructed his players to focus solely on performances on the pitch and ignore any refereeing debates.
“The only way to win is on the field,” Regragui stated. “You’ve never heard me complain about refereeing after a match. We take responsibility, move forward, and keep working.”
He concluded by calling for support for match officials and players alike, while expressing hope for a fair contest against Nigeria.
“We hope the referee will be fair to both teams, as he has been since the start of the competition,” Regragui added.
