Moroccan Federation Supports Yamal's Decision for Spain

 Moroccan Federation Supports Yamal's Decision for Spain

Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between FC Porto and FC Barcelona at Estadio do Dragao on October 4, 2023 in Porto, Portugal(Image-Getty)

The Moroccan football federation has affirmed its respect for Lamine Yamal's decision to represent Spain, despite his Moroccan heritage. Yamal, who hails from a Moroccan father but was born and raised in Spain, is a prominent figure in Barcelona's forward line and recently made his senior debut for the Spanish national team. Contrary to a report by Spanish newspaper AS, the Moroccan federation clarified that they are not attempting to convince Yamal to switch his international allegiance and refuted claims of a rejected financial offer.

FIFA regulations allow players to change their international representation if they have made fewer than three appearances for a country before turning 21 and haven't played for that nation for at least three years. Currently, Yamal needs to participate in one more game for Spain before becoming ineligible to switch to Morocco.

Yamal made history in LaLiga as the youngest goalscorer at just 16 years and 87 days when he scored for Barcelona against Granada. In August, he set a record as the youngest debutant in an official match for Barca. Furthermore, he became Spain's youngest international and scorer at 16 years and 57 days during his debut against Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier in September. However, due to an injury, he was unable to join the squad for Spain's matches against Scotland and Norway in the Euro 2024 qualifiers this month.