Morocco news

Paris Saint-Germain footballer Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial for alleged rape. The Nanterre prosecutor's office and Hakimi's lawyer confirmed to AFP that the Morocco international will be tried for accusations of sexual assault against a woman in February 2023.

Since the announcement of changes to the biennial tournament, the governing body has been putting out fires, repeatedly trying to reassure stakeholders and clarify what the new era will look like for the tournament. Recently, rumours emerged again that the next edition could be postponed, owing to the unpreparedness of the host countries.

Walid Regragui has sent shockwaves through international football by offering his resignation just four months before the 2026 World Cup. The 50-year-old manager, who became a national hero during the 2022 tournament, is reportedly mentally exhausted following a heart-breaking African Cup of Nations final defeat to Senegal. His decision leaves the Atlas Lions in a state of total and sudden uncertainty.

Could we expect something bold for the Morocco strips from PUMA?

South Africa is expected to submit a bid to host the continental tournament. According to the top government official, a joint bid is expected alongside neighbouring countries. If South Africa wins the hosting rights, it will have another chance to try and win the AFCON trophy on home soil, having done so in 1996.

Senegal boss Pape Thiaw and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi have been hit with a ban following the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal's dramatic 1-0 win over the tournament's hosts was marred by violence, Thiaw calling his players to walk off the pitch in protest over the officiating, and Brahim Diaz's wretched Panenka penalty. Now, bans and fines have been handed out by the Confederation of African Football.

Mamadou Niang has disclosed the crucial conversation he had with Sadio Mane that prevented the Africa Cup of Nations final from descending into chaos. The former Marseille striker intervened as the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest at a late penalty decision, urging his compatriot to ensure the team finished the game "like men" before their eventual dramatic victory.

The experienced South African tactician has revisited his time with Al Ahly and said the African football governing body denied him a chance to make history with the Egyptian giants. The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician led the Red Devils to three Champions League finals but lost the third one. Now he has pointed fingers at those he said are to blame.

The two-year tradition is set to end after the 2028 edition, and the decision to shift the continental tournament continues to attract criticism and applause almost in equal measure. For long, African football fans knew that the competition would be held biennially, and this wait will be prolonged given the recent decision made and announced by CAF's president, Patrice Motsepe. Now, one of Africa's most experienced and most respected coaches has shared his concerns, blasting the people in charge at CAF.

Thierry Henry dismissed a suggestion from fellow pundit Jamie Carragher as the pair discussed the recent Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco. Former Liverpool defender Carragher has been criticised in the past for suggesting that the AFCON should not be considered a "major tournament", and has now raised the question as to whether European referees should be recruited in a bid to improve officiating standards. However, legendary ex-France and Arsenal striker Henry quickly rejected that opinion.