Morocco Football Chief Questions Lamin Yamal's Spanish Nationality
Morocco's football federation chief questions Lamin Yamal's Spanish nationality, noting his Moroccan heritage through his father, while insisting Morocco respects the young player's decision to represent Spain.
Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, continues needling Lamin Yamal over his decision to represent Spain, despite claiming to respect the player's choice. "Lamin Yamal? I don't know any Spanish person named Yamal," Lekjaa said.
If Morocco defeats France in the quarterfinals, they could face the winner of Spain versus Belgium, and potentially Spain in the final. Lekjaa previously expressed hope that Morocco would meet Spain in the championship to show Yamal he made the wrong decision.
"We respect Yamal's choice and have never questioned it. Our attitude toward him and his family has not changed because of this. As far as I know, they vacation in Morocco frequently, especially in the northern region. They will always be welcome," Lekjaa said.
Lekjaa also clarified that Yamal is not Yamal's actual surname. His full name is Lamin Yamal Nasraoui Ebana—Nasraoui comes from his Moroccan father Munier Nasraoui, and Ebana from his mother Chila Ebana, who is from Equatorial Guinea. Yamal is his middle name.
Morocco has made considerable efforts to recruit Yamal for their national team without success.
"Players should not feel guilty or arrogant when choosing their national team. Football is universal. If someone with the right to choose decides to represent another country, it does not change the bonds they have to their homeland. We are proud of our history and civilization, but we are equally proud when Moroccans help a friendly neighbor like Spain achieve success," Lekjaa said.
