'He's my friend' - Morocco star Hakimi apologised to FIFA president Infantino following angry outburst after Croatia defeat

• Tempers boiled after World Cup exit
• Talk of verbal bust-up
• Things now being smoothed over

WHAT HAPPENED? The PSG defender had reportedly approached the FIFA president following Morocco's 2-1 defeat to Croatia in the third place play-off at the World Cup. Hakimi was said to have voiced some strongly-worded opinions on the officiating throughout the tournament.

WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking to the press, he now has said: "Nothing happened. I was angry after the end of the match. I went to talk to him, and I apologized for the words I said to him. He is my friend and I respect him a lot, so nothing happened".

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Most notably, Hakimi may have been frustrated after feeling as though his side should have won a penalty in the semi-final against France when Sofyan Boufal was challenged by Ibrahima Konate. The Atlas Lions were also hoping for a spot-kick against Croatia amid a possible handball when Youssef En-Nesyri's header hit Bruno Petkovic.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Getty Images

Getty

Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR MOROCCO? While Hakimi may well have been furious with president Infantino in the heat of the moment, he won't want to get on FIFA's bad side with Morocco hoping to host the 2030 World Cup.