Rabat – King Mohammed VI has reacted to recent backlash and controversy following the chaotic AFCON final that deprived the Atlas Lions from their dream to clinch their second trophy in 50 years.
In a Royal Cabinet statement, King Mohammed VI acknowledged that the closing minutes of the AFCON final match between Morocco vs. Senegal were marked by unfortunate events.
He said the final match witnessed “regrettable incidents” and that “deeply deplorable behavior occurred.”
For the monarch however, it remains nonetheless that, once passions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail, for a Moroccan success is also an African success.
The King also expressed pride that Morocco offered its soil to host a “month of popular joy and sporting emotion, and to have contributed to the prominence of Africa and its football.”
Recalling the success that Morocco recorded in hosting a world-class tournament, the King is convinced that such “hostile schemes” will never reach their aims.
For the King, the Moroccan people know how to “balance matters and not to be drawn into resentment and discord.”
Recalling Morocco’s commitment toward its home of Africa, the monarch said “nothing will alter the closeness that was fostered over centuries between our African people, nor the fruitful cooperation built hand in hand with different countries of the continent, bolstered by ever ambitious partnerships.”
The Royal Cabinet statement reiterated Morocco’s commitment toward strengthening the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity, expressing pride of being a great African country.
“In accordance with the enlightened Vision of the Sovereign, Morocco will further its resolute and steadfast commitment in favor of a united and prosperous Africa, notably through mutual exchange of experiences, expertise and knowledge,” the statement concluded.
Moroccans are not only saddened by the fact that the Atlas Lions were deprived of the trophy, but rather the chaotic scenes that took place at the final on Sunday, which saw the Senegalese team temporarily withdraw and fans attempt to storm the pitch, attacking security guards in a violent manner.
The situation sparked frustration and high tensions, especially amid a campaign targeting the country’s hosting of the AFCON as well as the Atlas Lions.
The King’s statement comes as a call for the Moroccan people to look forward, not back, with pride on hosting a tournament that has been hailed as the “best AFCON ever,” no matter the final scoreboard.
