The Moroccan government has issued an official statement denying reports that Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Mohamed Saad Berrada, made remarks suggesting Morocco does not represent Africa at the FIFA World Cup.
The clarification follows the widespread circulation of claims on social media and several media platforms alleging that Berrada had said Morocco “does not represent Africa”, that the national team represents “only Morocco, not Africa”, and that the country “does not need Africa’s support.”
In its official statement, the ministry categorically rejected the reports, describing them as “entirely false and unfounded.”
“Following the circulation across several media outlets and social media platforms of statements falsely attributed to Mr. Mohamed Saad Berrada… the Minister categorically denies these claims and affirms that they are entirely false and unfounded.”
The ministry also stressed that Berrada had not granted any interview or made any public comments on the issue.
“The Minister emphasizes that he has made no statement to any media outlet regarding this matter, and that all statements currently circulating and attributed to him in this regard are fabricated and in no way reflect either his position or the official position of the Kingdom of Morocco.”
Morocco reaffirms African identity
Beyond denying the alleged remarks, the statement reaffirmed Morocco’s longstanding ties with the African continent, insisting that the country’s African identity remains a fundamental part of its national policy.
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According to the ministry, Morocco is proud of its African heritage and maintains deep historical, cultural and human links with other African nations under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
“The Minister further reaffirms that the Kingdom of Morocco is proud of its African identity.”
“The historical, human, and cultural ties that unite Morocco with the other nations of the African continent constitute a fundamental pillar of Morocco’s policy.”
Warning over false information
The ministry also urged journalists, media organisations and social media users to verify information before publishing or sharing it online.
It warned that appropriate legal measures could be taken against individuals or organisations that publish false information or falsely attribute statements to the minister.
The official statement comes after the alleged comments sparked widespread debate online, with many users accusing Morocco of distancing itself from the African continent during its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
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With the government’s clarification, Moroccan authorities have insisted that the controversial remarks were fabricated and do not represent either the minister’s views or the official position of the Kingdom of Morocco.
