Issa Diop’s international debut for Morocco has ignited a fresh public relations battle with Senegal.
The Fulham defender started for the Atlas Lions during Friday’s 1-1 draw against Ecuador in Madrid.
Consequently, his arrival marks a significant coup for Moroccan football amid an ongoing continental dispute. Diop previously represented France at the Under-21 level.
However, FIFA recently approved his application to switch nationalities. The 29-year-old was born in France to a Senegalese father and a Moroccan mother.
He initially held out hope for a call-up from Didier Deschamps. Nevertheless, the lack of interest from Les Bleus prompted his decision to join Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad.
This debut coincides with a bitter legal feud over the Africa Cup of Nations title. CAF recently stripped Senegal of their trophy following a controversial final in Rabat.
During the match, Senegal walked off the pitch to protest a decisive penalty awarded to Morocco before emerging as the winners after full-time.
Issa Diop Morocco debut ignites bitter PR battle with Senegal
Consequently, the governing body declared Morocco the winners. Senegal have since referred the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Moreover, the Senegalese federation continues to claim the title publicly. They held a press conference on Friday featuring a “Champions of Africa” banner. They also plan to display the trophy before Saturday’s friendly against Peru in Paris.
“I think I’ve made a good choice,” Diop stated after the match. He praised the vision of Federation President Faouzi Lekjaa. Furthermore, he noted the cheerful atmosphere within the Moroccan camp.
This acquisition represents the first time Morocco has won a recruitment battle against another African powerhouse. Senegal also rely heavily on their French-born diaspora for squad depth.
Diop’s physical presence provides a timely boost for Morocco ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, the off-field tension between the two nations shows no signs of cooling.
Both countries are preparing for their final warm-ups before the summer tournament in North America.
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