Following the controversies following the Morocco-DRC match (1-1), second day (group F) of AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023, the FRMF would like to provide the following clarifications:
Emphasizing the distinguished and historical relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the fraternal ties between the people of the two countries.
1. The exceptional cooperation relationship between the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), the number of Congolese players who practice their activities in Morocco, and the partnership agreement that brings together the two federations are the best evidence of this.
2. We condemn all unsportsmanlike behavior that followed this match, without entering into the logic of the accusations.
3. The President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Mr. Fawzi Lakjaa, was the first to congratulate the coach of the Congolese national team, Mr. Sebastien Desabre, which translates the values of high sportsmanship among the two teams. For reference, Moroccan international Ashraf Hakimi monitored the treatment of player Henoc Inonga Baka.
By providing these details, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation reaffirms its adherence to the values of sportsmanship, ethics and fair play, highlighting that these events will not affect in any way the fraternal ties between the two countries.