By Amaechi Agbo
Morocco’s Minister of Sports, Mohammad Saad Berrad, has stirred debate after stating that the country’s national teams compete primarily to represent Morocco rather than the African continent at international competitions.
According to Berrad, Morocco’s responsibility is to defend its own national interests, identity and honour whenever it participates on the global stage.
He maintained that the country does not require Africa’s collective support, insisting that Morocco’s focus remains on representing itself first.
The remarks have reignited discussions among football fans, particularly in Africa, where Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was widely celebrated as a milestone for African football.
Some supporters recalled that following Morocco’s success in Qatar, many Moroccans described the team’s achievements as a victory for the Arab world, while others later emphasised that Morocco was also proud of its African identity.
The latest comments have also generated reactions on social media, with some African fans saying they have reconsidered their support for Moroccan teams after previous online exchanges in which some Moroccan supporters reportedly dismissed expressions of solidarity from across the continent.
Berrad’s remarks have continued to attract mixed reactions, with some defending his emphasis on national identity, while others argue that international sporting success can simultaneously inspire regional and continental pride.
