Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat has stepped away from the national team ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers starting in September.
In a shocking decision, the 30-year-old defensive midfielder, who plays for Dutch Eredivisie club Ajax, confirmed he will not be available for selection under Morocco’s current coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
In a statement posted on his Instagram account, Amrabat described the decision as a difficult one but said he no longer feels able to continue representing Morocco under the current coaching setup.
“I am therefore making myself unavailable for selection while he remains in charge,” wrote Amrabat, who made his first-team debut for Utrecht’s youth system in November 2014, and went on to make 54 appearances for them in total, before being signed by Feyenoord in 2017.
Amrabat’s statement further clarified his decision does not amount to an international retirement.
“I am not retiring from international football, and I am not closing the door on representing Morocco again,” added Amrabat, who made his senior international debut for Morocco in March 2017, and has represented the country at three FIFA World Cups and three Africa Cup of Nations.
Amrabat added: “Representing Morocco has been the greatest honour of my career. I will remain the team’s biggest fan, supporting you with the same passion I have always shown on the pitch.”
His decision means he will not be considered when Morocco start their pursuit for a ticket to the 2027 AFCON edition to be staged in East Africa.
The Atlas Lions have been drawn into Group A alongside Gabon, Niger, and Lesotho for the qualifying campaign. Morocco’s first match will see them take on the Panthers on September 25th at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco’s matchday two will be against Lesotho on September 29th at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Amrabat made his senior debut for Morocco in a 1-0 friendly win over Tunisia. In May 2018, he was named in Morocco’s 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Amrabat was named in Morocco’s 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as Morocco clinched fourth place in the tournament, his strong performances led to an increase of interest for his services across Europe.
Amrabat appeared for Morocco at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where he was sent off in the 83rd minute of the team’s 2-0 loss to South Africa in the Round of 16.
In 2025, Amrabat was called up to the Morocco squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and in 2026, he was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
