Amrabat rules himself out of Morocco duty under Ouahbi

Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has made himself unavailable for the national team ahead of the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, while insisting he has not retired from international football.

The experienced midfielder said he will not represent Morocco under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, although he declined to disclose the reasons behind his decision.

Amrabat’s announcement comes after a difficult World Cup campaign in which his involvement was limited. The midfielder started just one of Morocco’s six matches at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals before suffering a defeat by France.

His position in the team has also come under increasing pressure following the emergence of Manchester City midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose rise has further reduced Amrabat’s opportunities for regular playing time.

Despite his decision to step away from the squad for now, Amrabat has made clear that his international career is not over.

The 29-year-old’s absence will therefore be viewed as a temporary break rather than a retirement, leaving the door open for a possible return should circumstances change.