Morocco coach angrily rejects claims of referee bias
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has furiously denied accusations that his team has been getting favourable treatment from referees at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His comments came after Morocco’s 2–0 quarterfinal win over Cameroon, a result that set up a blockbuster semifinal against Nigeria.
Regragui said suggestions that the host nation were being helped by match officials were unfair and baseless, insisting the only real advantage Morocco enjoys is playing in front of roughly 65,000 passionate home fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
He argued that while some contentious refereeing decisions in the Cameroon match including at least two potential penalties not given to the visitors have fuelled criticism, Morocco are simply winning through performance, not officiating favours. Regragui also pointed to other matches where decisions went against his team in earlier tournaments to underscore that Morocco do not seek special treatment.
The semi-final clash with Nigeria highlights the tournament’s rising intensity, with both teams among the favourites to lift the trophy. Nigeria reached the last four with a convincing 2–0 win over Algeria, led by star striker Victor Osimhen.
CAF officials are also dealing with disciplinary concerns after heated quarter-final matches, including the Morocco-Cameroon game, where clashes and heated disputes have prompted investigations by tournament organizers.
Regragui’s stance reflects mounting pressure on hosts Morocco, who hold high expectations on home soil and have the ambition of ending a long AFCON title drought. Critics have questioned officiating in various matches throughout the competition, but the coach has rejected any narrative that Morocco have benefited from refereeing decisions emphasizing that results should be judged on the pitch, not by outside commentary.
The stage is now set for a fiery Morocco vs Nigeria semifinal, a match that could define the continent’s football calendar this year.
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