Regragui: 'Talking About Refereeing Is Unfortunate; I Only Speak to Players About the Pitch and Winning'

Walid Regragui, head coach of the Moroccan national team, stated that the continuous discussion about refereeing in Africa is a negative issue, emphasizing that significant work is being done within African football.

Regragui said in his statements: “Talking about refereeing is a bad thing. We are in a beautiful continent, and there is a lot of work being done, yet some imagine that we win matches thanks to refereeing.”

He continued: “We cannot speak evasively; this is always the case in Africa. You, the journalists, must do your job. A penalty is awarded in one match but not in another.”

He added: “I follow all matches, and given that our players are in Europe, refereeing controversy is present everywhere. I lean towards the idea that everyone is trying to do their best.”

He further stated: “Some talked about the penalty awarded against Tanzania, saying one player weighs 20 kilograms and another 120 kilograms, while in England, such situations are not given as penalties.”

He continued: “When El Khannouss was pushed in the match against Mali, no one talked about a penalty. There was another incident against Cameroon after El Zalzouli's foot was stepped on, and if VAR had been consulted, it would have been awarded.”

He concluded: “There was also a clear penalty against El Sabiri from the goalkeeper that was not given, but we are used to it. I only talk to the players about the pitch and winning matches. You will not find me talking about refereeing even after our elimination in Ivory Coast; instead, we must help the referees.”