Abdessamad Ezzalzouli clarifies his position over Ceuta controversy

16:14

By: Azzat Manal

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli clarifies his position over Ceuta controversy

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has responded to the controversy surrounding his appearance in a shirt referring to Ceuta, insisting that his participation in the initiative was not politically motivated and should not be interpreted as disrespect toward Morocco.

The Morocco international came under scrutiny after players from Real Betis and Villarreal were seen wearing shirts before their La Liga match featuring messages linked to Ceuta. One of the slogans referred to the inhabitants of the Spanish-administered city, while another explicitly mentioned Ceuta and its connection to Spain.

Ezzalzouli’s presence among the players wearing the shirts quickly triggered criticism on Moroccan social media. The issue is particularly sensitive in Morocco, where Ceuta and Melilla remain politically and historically contested territories and are frequently discussed in the context of Morocco’s relations with Spain.

In response to the backlash, the Betis winger published a statement on Instagram explaining that he did not understand the initiative as a political gesture. He said the shirt was intended as part of a social campaign supporting residents facing difficult circumstances, regardless of their nationality.

Ezzalzouli also rejected any suggestion that his participation reflected a lack of attachment to Morocco. The player stressed that he remains proud of his origins and intends to continue representing his Moroccan roots with commitment, particularly through his career with the national team.

The statement stopped short of an apology, with Ezzalzouli maintaining that the episode had been misunderstood. His position appears to be that his involvement was motivated by the social dimension of the campaign rather than by any political stance concerning the status of Ceuta.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of the complex relationship between Morocco and Spain. Although bilateral ties have strengthened considerably in recent years, questions surrounding Ceuta and Melilla remain highly sensitive in both countries and can quickly generate strong public reactions.

Ezzalzouli, who was born in Béni Mellal and moved to Spain at a young age, has built his professional career in Spanish football while continuing to represent Morocco internationally. His background has placed him at the intersection of Moroccan and Spanish sporting environments.

The player had also removed previous posts from his social media accounts as reactions intensified following the circulation of the images. His latest statement was therefore intended to provide clarification and distance his participation from any political message.

Despite his explanation, the controversy may continue to generate debate among Moroccan supporters. Ezzalzouli’s comments make clear that he considers the incident a social gesture rather than a political declaration, while the sensitivity surrounding Ceuta means that the episode is likely to remain a subject of discussion.