Morocco coach Abde and Ceuta: "This was a mistake
September 18, 2026 ·
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi defended Ez Abde after the player was heavily criticized for wearing a shirt supporting Ceuta, calling the incident a mistake.
Morocco coach Abde and Ceuta: "This was a mistake
According to Mundodeportivo.
Background
Ez Abde, who currently plays for Real Betis, is a winger who is expected to make a significant contribution to Selección de Marruecos. Previously, he suffered a knee injury that prevented him from appearing in the World Cup, and this incident posed an additional challenge to his career. Abde is expected to show his commitment to Morocco in the upcoming match.
Why this is important
The incident involving Ez Abde and a T-shirt supporting Ceuta has caused controversy in Morocco, sparking criticism from the media and fans. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi defended Abde, stressing that the action was an unintentional mistake. Ouahbi's support is important to maintain Abde's confidence ahead of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Main Points
- Morocco coach Abde and Ceuta: "This was a mistake.
- Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi defended Ez Abde after the player was heavily criticized for wearing a shirt supporting Ceuta, calling the incident a mistake.
- El seleccionador marroquí, Abde y Ceuta: "Fue un desliz, una torpeza".
The Moroccan national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, expressed his support for Ez Abde, the Moroccan winger who is now playing for Real Betis, after Abde faced a lot of criticism in his homeland. This happened after Abde appeared wearing a T-shirt supporting Ceuta during the match against Villarreal. Ouahbi called Abde's actions "a mistake" and stressed that his intentions had nothing to do with politics.
In a press conference held in Rabat, Ouahbi explained, "Abde, it's just that it was a mistake. He has spoken about it and has released a brief statement. This was an accident. No one can doubt his love and commitment to Morocco and the national team."
Ouahbi's statement came ahead of the announcement of the list of 29 players who will be called up for the two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Gabon and Lesotho. He continued, "Politics does influence football, but I don't want to get involved in that. We need to find the best solutions to provide guidance and prevention. I can understand Abde's position; he was eager to play in his first game since the World Cup, and then he was given a shirt in the dressing room… For me, the matter is over."
Abde himself suffered a knee injury before the World Cup, which prevented him from appearing as a starter until the match against Villarreal on Monday. Abde's act of wearing a t-shirt with a message of support for Ceuta has sparked a wave of criticism in the media and social media in Morocco, especially after thousands of people illegally crossed the borders of the autonomous Spanish city at the end of July, leading to a migration crisis.
Responding to the controversy, Abde said in a statement that his actions had no "political aim or insult" towards the Moroccan people. Ouahbi also commented on the situation involving Sofyan Amrabat, Ajax Amsterdam midfielder, who has announced that he will not play for the national team as long as Ouahbi remains in charge.
"I understand the player's anger because it is not easy to accept the arrival of young players and the reality of playing less," said Ouahbi. He emphasized that the team's doors are always open to all players, but there are no guarantees for anyone.
The list of players called up includes:
- Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal, KSA), Munir El Kajoui (Renaissance de Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (FAR Rabat), Alaa Bellaarouch (Dinamo București, ROM).
- Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United, ENG), Anass Salah-Eddine (Panathinaikos, GRE), Marwane Saadane (Al-Fateh, KSA), Nayef Aguerd (Olympique de Marsella, FRA), Redouane Halhal (Venezia, ITA), Issa Diop (Ipswich Town, ENG), Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal (Stade Rennais, FRA), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Hamburgo, GER), Ali Maamar (Anderlecht, BEL).
- Midfielders: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Manchester City, ENG), Samir El Mourabet (Racing Club de Estrasburgo, FRA), Neil El Aynaoui (Leipzig, GER), Oussama Targhalline (Feyenoord, NED), Bilal El Khannouss (VfB Stuttgart, GER), Soufiane El-Faouzi (Schalke 04, GER), Azzedine Ounahi (Panathinaikos, GRE), Ismael Saibari (Bayern de Munich, GER).
- Forward: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis, ESP), Abdellah Ouazane (Ajax, NED), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid, ESP), Yassine Gessime (Estrasburgo, FRA), Yassir Zabiri (Real Racing Club de Santander, ESP), Soufiane Rahimi (Ain F. C., EAU), Tawfik Bentayeb (Espérance Sportive Troyes, FRA).
What happened next
With the announcement of the list of players who will be called up for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Abde is expected to remain part of the Morocco squad. The matches against Gabon and Lesotho will be an opportunity for Abde to prove his worth after his previous injury. Coach Ouahbi hopes that this incident will not affect Abde's performance on the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Ez Abde?
Ez Abde faced criticism after wearing a T-shirt supporting Ceuta during the match against Villarreal.
Who confirmed that Abde's actions were a mistake?
The Moroccan national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, confirmed that Abde's actions were a mistake.
Why is this statement being made now?
This statement was made ahead of the announcement of the list of players for the two qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
What changes are expected after this controversy?
Ouahbi hopes to find the best solution in providing guidance and prevention regarding this situation.
How did Abde react to the criticism he received?
Abde said in a statement that the action was accidental and had nothing to do with politics.