Moroccan FA president condemns Lamine Yamal's decision to play for Spain

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, aged 18, elected to represent Spain at the upcoming World Cup instead of Morocco, the country of his father's origin. Fauzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, publicly criticized the choice, stating “the nation cannot forgive” the youngster and joking “I do not know a Spanish man called Yamal.”

Lekjaa said Morocco had tried for months to persuade Yamal to join the Atlas Lions, but the player ultimately opted for the Spanish national team. The controversy has intensified ahead of the World Cup quarter‑final between France and Morocco, with both sides discussing the impact of his absence on Morocco's attacking options.