Regragui Dismisses Refereeing Bias Claims: 'Not Sportsmanlike!'

National coach Walid Regragui affirmed that the Moroccan national team's victory was well-deserved, emphasizing that the "Atlas Lions" achieve their results on the field, far from any discussions regarding refereeing benefits.

Speaking at the press conference following the 2-0 victory over Cameroon, which secured their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, Regragui stated: "Since the beginning of the competition, some have tried to create the impression that Morocco benefits from refereeing, which is untrue."

He added: "Personally, I have seen situations where penalties could have been awarded in our favor, but I never discuss refereeing. We played in Côte d'Ivoire and weren't given a penalty, and against South Africa, I was suspended without a clear reason."

He continued: "Some are attempting to portray things as if Morocco enjoys privileges, but the truth is we earn our victories on the pitch. Statistics and figures consistently demonstrate our superiority; we create more chances than our opponents, and no goals have been disallowed for us or our rivals, whether against Cameroon or any other team."

Regragui concluded: "The only advantage we have in this tournament is playing in front of 65,000 spectators. Cameroon delivered the performance expected of them, but they encountered a stronger team. I don't believe any player or coach can dispute the legitimacy of our victory. Dwelling on this issue (refereeing) is not a sportsmanlike conduct, especially from those who wish to see us fail. The best team will ultimately lift the trophy, God willing."