Morocco: Atlas Lions coach reignites “Arab” identity issue
Morocco’s Atlas Lions Football coach, Walid Reguragui, reignited the national debate around identity in a January 30th statement, according to The New Arab.
The coach said: “We are here in an African competition; we don’t represent Arabs,” when questioned on being “the last Arab team” left in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The comment followed Egypt’s 8-7 loss to Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties, and their subsequent elimination from the tournament.
“There’s no place for saying we are here to raise the Arab flag or the Maghreb flag. Yes, it’s complicated for North African teams, but we are all here the same” Reguragui added.
While some applauded the coach’s pan-African sentiment, others in the region have taken offence to what they perceive as an anti-Arab declaration. Although, it is not the Reguragui’s first statement emphasizing the national team’s African identity.
In a press conference during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Reguragui insisted that the historic success of the Atlas Lions was a “Moroccan and African victory”, again avoiding the term “Arab.” The stance sparked a heated debate regarding culture and identity in the Maghreb.
READ: Morocco’s team out of World Cup but players “heroes”
Morocco’s indigenous Amazigh community have long lamented the use of the term “Arab,” arguing it to be a culturally inappropriate categorization. Although estimates vary regarding the number of Moroccans with Amazigh heritage, some are as high as 70%.
Amazigh activist, Adil Adaskou, told The New Arab on January 24th: “Our team represents Africa because FIFA does not classify football teams based on their race or ethnicity. However, our team members are Amazigh and not Arab, and Arabs should respect us as we respect them.”
Making it to the top of their group, the Atlas Lions were knocked out of the tournament on January 30th after losing 2-0 to South Africa.
READ: “Favourites” Morocco convincingly top AFCON group
The South African team are set to play against Cape Verde on February 3rd, in the AFCON quarter finals.
The New Arab
