Regragui Defends Olympic Role: 'I Chose Sektioui' for Morocco's Campaign

Walid Regragui, the head coach of Morocco's national football team, has addressed the controversy surrounding his involvement with the national Olympic team during the 2024 Paris Games. In a press conference held on Thursday, Regragui clarified his role and the reasons behind his presence in the locker room during Morocco’s match against Spain.

Regragui expressed frustration over the scrutiny he faced for entering the locker room at halftime to offer tactical advice to the Olympic team. Critics argued that this move undermined the authority of the Olympic team's head coach, Tarik Sektioui. However, Regragui revealed that he had personally selected Sektioui to lead the Olympic team instead of Issame Charaï.

Following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, tasked Regragui with overseeing the Olympic team. The primary objectives were to win the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted in Morocco, and to secure qualification for the Paris Olympics, with hopes of winning a medal.

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Regragui highlighted that during a match against Brazil in March 2023, seven Olympic players were included in the senior squad. However, by June, these players were deliberately kept with the Olympic team under the guidance of Issame Charaï, who was the coach at that time.

Regragui explained that he collaborated closely with Sektioui to prepare the Olympic squad and worked tirelessly to convince clubs to release their professional players for the tournament. These collaborative efforts, he noted, were instrumental in securing the bronze medal at the Olympics, a result he considers highly significant despite the criticism he faced.

He praised Sektioui for his accomplishments and emphasized that their relationship remains strong. Regragui also mentioned that the senior team’s staff was made available to support the Olympic squad and expressed pride in the overall achievement.

The controversy surrounding Regragui's involvement underscores the complex dynamics within Moroccan football, where the lines between senior and Olympic team management can sometimes blur. However, Regragui's clarification aims to set the record straight and highlight the collaborative efforts that led to Morocco's success at the Olympics.

For professionals in the energy sector and general readers interested in economic reforms, this story offers a glimpse into the strategic management and leadership dynamics within Moroccan sports, showcasing the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in achieving national goals.