Coach Regragui's 'Morocco does not represent Arabs in AFCON' remarks reignite debates over identity

In the Africa Cup of Nations (ACON), Morocco does not play on behalf of or represent Arabs, said the coach of Atlas Lions, Walid Reguragui.

"We are here in an African competition; we don't represent Arabs," answered Reguragui to a question by a journalist who noted that the Atlas Lions are 'the last Arab team' in the competition after Egypt's loss.

This is not the first time the Moroccan coach has emphasised the African over the Arab identity of his team. 

 

 

 

 

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During the Qatar World Cup, in press conferences, Regragui insisted that the historical journey of the Atlas Lions is a Moroccan and African victory, deliberately avoiding the term 'Arab.' This stance sparked a heated debate around identity in the country and the region.

Over the years, the Amazigh community, the indigenous people of Morocco, lamented the use of the term "Arab", arguing its use was discriminatory against the Amazigh population. Estimates vary about the number of Moroccans who claim the Amazigh heritage, with some as high as 70 per cent.

"Our team represents Africa because FIFA does not classify football teams based on their race or ethnicity. However, our team members are Amazigh and not Arab. And Arabs should respect us as we respect them," Adil Adaskou, a Moroccan Amazigh activist, said to The New Arab.

On Monday, the statements of the Moroccan coach reignited the debate. While several Moroccans applauded Regragui's 'pan-Africanism', some football fans in the region took offence at his 'anti-Arab' declaration.

In his statement, Regragui said he refuses to use such labels since all participating teams in AFCON are Africans. "There's no place for saying we are here to raise the Arab flag or the Maghreb flag. Yes, it's complicated for North African teams, but we are all here the same (Africans)," he added. 

Morocco's Atlas Lions had sealed qualification to the Round of 16 after clinching two wins over Tanzania 3-0 and Zambia 1-0, with an additional 1-1 draw with DR Congo. They are leading the Group F standings with 7 points.

Today, Tuesday, Morocco is set to face South Africa at the San Pedro Stadium, Ivory Coast, at 8 p.m GMT.