The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, recently expressed a desire for Morocco to face Spain in a World Cup final to demonstrate to young player Lamine Yamal whether his decision to represent the Spanish national team was the correct one. This intriguing statement was made during an interview with the platform 'Aljazeera360', where Lekjaa conveyed his thoughts with a touch of irony while emphasizing his respect for Yamal's choice. Born in Spain to a Moroccan father, Yamal's decision has sparked significant discussion within the football community.
In his remarks, Lekjaa highlighted the efforts made by the FRMF to engage with Yamal and his family in hopes of persuading him to join the Moroccan national team. Despite several meetings both in Morocco and Spain, the FRMF ultimately could not sway the young talent, who opted to represent Spain. Reflecting on this, Lekjaa stated, 'We met with his parents—his father is Moroccan and his mother is Equatoguinean. We presented our project to him and his family, but Lamine was already convinced about going with Spain. We wish him good luck and great success. Spain and Morocco are separated by just 14 kilometers, and it is normal for these things to happen.'
Moreover, Lekjaa underscored the FRMF's commitment to providing a comprehensive football project aimed at attracting players of Moroccan descent born in Europe. He noted that Morocco's growing international reputation, bolstered by improved training facilities and infrastructure, plays a significant role in drawing these talents back to their roots. A notable success story is Brahim Díaz, the Real Madrid star, who has emerged as a key player for the Moroccan national team, showcasing the potential of the project to nurture local talent.
Furthermore, Lekjaa emphasized that Morocco's stability in offering regular participation in African tournaments and the World Cup serves as an attractive prospect for players. He remarked, 'We are a country that offers the opportunity to compete regularly in African tournaments and take part in World Cups. That stable international project attracts players.' His comments illustrate a broader strategy aimed at fostering football development in Morocco, ensuring that national players return to their clubs in peak condition after representing their country.
As reported by marca.com.
