OFFICIAL: Walid Regragui Stays! FRMF Denies Resignation, But Reveals Tension Over Diaz’s “Panenka” Nightmare
The soap opera has taken a dramatic turn. Following hours of intense speculation that nearly broke the internet in Morocco, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially broken its silence. In a communiqué released moments ago, the Federation has categorically confirmed that Walid Regragui stays as the head coach of the Atlas Lions.
This official statement puts an end to the “resignation” rumors that flooded social media after the AFCON final defeat. However, while the coach is safe, sources indicate the locker room is far from calm. The real story is much more explosive than a simple resignation letter.
— Official FRMF Spokesperson
Behind the Scenes: Why Walid Regragui Stays Despite the Loss
Many fans asked: “Why keeping him after losing a final?” The answer lies in the “2026 Project.” Fouzi Lekjaa, the FRMF president, views stability as the key to success for the upcoming World Cup on home soil. Dismissing the architect of the Qatar 2022 semi-final run just months before the World Cup preparation phase was deemed too risky.
The decision that Walid Regragui stays was made to protect the group’s cohesion, despite the tactical failure against Senegal. But reports suggest a different kind of failure happened inside the locker room.
The Real Story: The “Panenka” Fight
If he didn’t resign, where did the rumors come from? Exclusive sources suggest the leaks were a result of a heated altercation between Regragui and Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz.
The Incident: In the 119th minute of the AFCON final, with Morocco trailing by one goal, the team was awarded a penalty. Diaz stepped up and attempted a “Panenka” chip shot. The ball hit the crossbar.
Witnesses claim Regragui was furious in the dressing room, accusing Diaz of “arrogance” and “disrespecting the Moroccan jersey” in a critical moment. Diaz reportedly stormed out, fueling the rumors that the coach had lost the dressing room.
Analysis: The “Panenka” Psychology
Why would a player like Brahim Diaz attempt such a risky move in a final? The “Panenka” is a double-edged sword. When it works, like Achraf Hakimi’s penalty against Spain in 2022, it is hailed as genius. When it fails, it is seen as the ultimate act of hubris.
Experts believe Diaz wanted to make a statement to the world, proving he is the new star of African football. Unfortunately, the execution failed. The fact that Walid Regragui stays means he now faces the difficult task of rebuilding Diaz’s confidence without looking weak in front of the other players.
Social Media Meltdown: Fans Divided
The news that Walid Regragui stays has caused a civil war on Moroccan Twitter (X). One camp argues that stability is crucial and that one penalty miss shouldn’t erase two years of progress. The other camp, furious about the loss, believes the “Avocado Head” has run out of ideas and is too lenient with star players.
Hashtags like #DimaMaghrib and #RegraguiOut were trending simultaneously, showing the deep divide in the fanbase just months before the World Cup qualifiers resume.
What This Means for World Cup 2026
Now that it is confirmed that Walid Regragui stays, the focus shifts to discipline. Can the coach repair his relationship with his star playmaker? The “Avocado Head” (Ras l’Avocat) creates a family atmosphere, but the Panenka incident has cracked that trust.
🚀 Next Up: Redemption in Madrid
The team will regroup for a friendly match against Ecuador on March 27 at the Metropolitano Stadium (Madrid). All eyes will be on whether Brahim Diaz gets called up.
Your Verdict: Who was wrong?
The news that Walid Regragui stays is official. Now, whose side are you on regarding the penalty incident?
Final Thought: The drama is over for now. Walid Regragui stays, the resignation is denied, but the scars of the AFCON final remain. The road to 2026 has just become much bumpier.
