US EditionMorocco coach says claims of Africa Cup refereeing bias are from foes 'who want to see us fall'
Coach Walid Regragui attributes Morocco’s success to superior performance and home crowd support, rejecting claims of referee bias despite multiple disputed decisions.
- On Jan 10, 2026, Morocco coach Walid Regragui angrily rejected suggestions Morocco benefits from favourable refereeing, defending the Africa Cup of Nations hosts and saying opponents ‘want to see us fall’.
- Referees made pivotal calls that sparked complaints, including a VAR-awarded penalty involving Jawad El Yamiq and Dahane Beida declining a second yellow for Bilal El Khannouss.
- The home crowd — about 65,000 spectators, Regragui said — has been a factor as Morocco played all matches at the nearly 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, creating an intimidating atmosphere.
- On Wednesday Morocco national team will play Nigeria or Algeria in the semifinal, with the final set for Jan. 18 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium; Regragui said his team deserved the quarterfinal win.
- Regragui’s disciplinary past includes a two-game suspension after a melee involving Chancel Mbemba at the previous Africa Cup of Nations, and his claim he was ‘suspended for no reason’ fuels critics.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Associated Press News
Morocco coach says claims of Africa Cup refereeing bias are from foes 'who want to see us fall'
Morocco coach Walid Regragui has angrily rejected suggestions his team is benefiting from favorable refereeing decisions as the Africa Cup of Nations host.
Since the beginning of the African Cup of Nations 2025, Morocco has been pointed out by being accused of being advantaged by the referees. Facing the......
Moroccan head Coach Walid Regragui addresses the refereeing controversy
Moroccan head Coach Walid Regragui addresses the refereeing controversy: “Since the start of the competition, some people have tried to make others believe that Morocco benefits from refereeing decisions. That is not true. I never speak about referees, even though penalties were not given to us, including in Côte d’Ivoire. We win our matches on […] The post Moroccan head Coach Walid Regragui addresses the refereeing controversy first appeared on…
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