Morocco Rejects Real Betis Request for Abde Ezzalzouli

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has firmly rejected a request from Real Betis to spare Abde Ezzalzouli from the upcoming international window, sending a clear message ahead of crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

According to Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport, Betis approached the federation seeking an exemption that would allow the winger to skip Mohamed Ouahbi’s latest call-up, which covers matches against Gabon and Lesotho. The Spanish club wanted their player to remain in Seville rather than travel with the Atlas Lions to South Africa, where Morocco will prepare for the Lesotho clash in 2027 AFCON qualifying.

The answer from Rabat was blunt: no.

Betis’s case weakened the moment Ezzalzouli stepped onto the pitch against Villarreal. His involvement in that match only strengthened the federation’s stance. From their point of view, if he is fit enough to feature in La Liga, he is fit enough to wear the national shirt.

The federation has made it clear there is no injury, no fitness concern, no underlying problem that could justify him missing national team duty. Unless something new and concrete emerges over his condition in the coming days, they see no reason to reconsider. Playing for his club is, in their eyes, the best medical certificate he could present.

The timing matters. Morocco face Gabon on 25 September and Lesotho on 29 September, both games part of the qualification path for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals. These are not friendlies to ease through; they are building blocks for a campaign Morocco expect to lead, not chase.

Ouahbi is still shaping his squad and, by extension, his era. The coach is due to announce his final list for the September camp next Thursday, a 23-man selection that will inevitably open and close doors for several players. Some names from Morocco’s last World Cup adventure are under threat, their places no longer guaranteed as competition intensifies.

That context makes Ezzalzouli’s situation even more significant. He is not just another name on a long list; he is a strong contender to be part of the group, his recent minutes with Betis reinforcing the technical staff’s conviction that he should be involved.

Betis tried to hold on to him. The federation pushed back. Now the ball is at Ouahbi’s feet, and all signs point to Abde Ezzalzouli boarding that plane for a camp Morocco clearly refuse to treat as optional.