Samba Diawara has left French club Stade de Reims after four years with the club, with the Franco-Malian coach now expected to take up a new role with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Reims officially confirmed Diawara’s departure on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, bringing an end to his spell with the club’s technical staff.
The French side said the decision followed the coach’s desire to pursue a new opportunity outside the club.
Diawara joined the Reims coaching structure in 2022 and became an important part of the club’s technical setup under different head coaches.
During his four-year spell, he was involved in 149 matches, including 23 games as the club’s head coach, according to Reims.
The 48-year-old also had periods in charge of the first team as caretaker before being appointed head coach in February 2025.
He subsequently guided Reims to the 2025 Coupe de France final, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain, before returning to an assistant role following a change in the coaching structure.
Diawara set for Morocco challenge
Diawara’s next destination is expected to be Morocco, where the Royal Moroccan Football Federation is looking to add him to its technical structure.
Recent reports indicate that Diawara is set to work within the setup of Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, although the exact position is still being determined.
One option is for him to join Ouahbi’s senior national team staff, while another is for him to take charge of the Morocco U23 team.
The move would represent a new chapter in Diawara’s coaching career and his first major assignment within a national-team structure.
Diawara previously worked with clubs in Belgium, including Charleroi and Anderlecht, where he gained experience as an assistant coach and worked with young players.
His background in player development and senior football has reportedly attracted the attention of the Moroccan federation.
From Mali international to coaching
Born in Paris, Diawara represented Mali at international level, earning 14 caps during his playing career.
He played as a defender before moving into coaching after retiring.
His coaching career has subsequently taken him through youth development and senior football, with his time at Reims providing significant experience in top-level French football.
The Moroccan federation is now expected to finalise his role, with reports pointing to either a position alongside Ouahbi with the senior national team or responsibility for the country’s U23 side.
With Reims already confirming his departure, attention will now turn to the formal announcement of Diawara’s next move.
