Shocking Exit at Morocco's Coaching Reveal: Regragui Steps Out as Howbi Ready to Take the Reins

Event Recap

Walid Regragui, the Moroccan national team's former coach, performed a peculiar gesture during the press conference unveiling his successor. The Moroccan Football Federation announced his departure on Thursday after three and a half years, a period highlighted by a historic 2022 World Cup semifinal but marred by a failure to win Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

Appointment and Moment

The federation appointed Mohammed Howbi, the youth national team coach who has previously won the World Cup at the same age level, to take over. The federation said it would honor Regragui and introduce Howbi to the media in a single joint press briefing.

However, Regragui surprised everyone by leaving the conference before it ended, walking out as Howbi spoke to reporters, according to a camera from the Moroccan outlet Al Botola.

Several Moroccan press outlets had signaled tension between Regragui and federation officials after the Africa Cup final loss to Senegal.

During the press conference yesterday, Regragui stated that his departure at this moment made sense, adding that "the national team needs fresh blood to continue its development."

Howbi responded, "We all felt the shock of the Africa final, but what matters now is to keep going, rely on what convinces and reassures the players. I already have information that isn't bad, and there are solutions to every problem; I am confident the team can move forward."

Punchlines for a lighter touch: 1) That exit was so sharp, even the questions needed stitches. 2) If leadership changes were a sport, Regragui just won the sprint to the door.