Warning Bell From Egypt
Ahmed Shobier, the Egyptian media figure and former goalkeeper of the Egypt national team, warns of potential internal tensions within the Moroccan setup as reports link the federation with appointing Mohammed Wahbi as an assistant to Walid Regraguï ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
On his show Ma Shobier on On Sport, he weighed in on Moroccan reports confirming Wahbi, the recently crowned youth World Cup champion, as a potential aide to Regragui. Shobier described the move as a "beginning of problems" and voiced a preference for allowing the coach to select his own staff, or else consider replacements such as Wahbi or Tarik Sktioui as technical directors.
He questioned how a World Cup‑winning youth coach could be integrated as an assistant, arguing that imposing personnel can spark clashes that undermine national team cohesion. The timing is delicate as Regragui’s future remains in flux since Morocco’s historic Qatar 2022 triumph and after the recent Africa Cup of Nations setback to Senegal.
Amid the rumors, the Moroccan Football Federation issued a formal statement denying reports of Regragui’s dismissal or resignation. Yet observers view the discussion of Wahbi or Tarik Sktioui joining the first‑team staff as a preemptive move or a sign of preparing a ready alternative, which could threaten the manager’s full control of the dressing room.
The chatter comes at a moment of strategic uncertainty for Morocco as the national team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, where leadership choices could influence the team’s harmony and performance. Shobier’s warnings highlight how delicate coaching dynamics can become once the spotlight sharpens and the pressure to maintain momentum grows.
As the federation navigates these rumors, supporters and pundits alike will be watching whether Regragui maintains autonomy over his staff or if external plans edge in, potentially reshaping the behind‑the‑scenes landscape of one of Africa’s flagship teams.
