The Morocco national team completed its squad at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora this week, but two of its most prominent internationals arrived later than the rest of the group.
Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari joined the Atlas Lions’ camp two days after the other players, with head coach Mohamed Ouahbi allowing the pair to delay their arrival because neither was available for Morocco’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifier against Gabon.
The decision was linked to disciplinary suspensions carried over from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Suspensions Carried Over From the AFCON Final
The CAF Disciplinary Board initially suspended Hakimi for two official CAF matches, with one match suspended for one year, while Saibari was initially given a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine.
Following an appeal, however, Saibari’s punishment was reduced to two official CAF matches, with one suspended, while the $100,000 fine was cancelled.
As a result, both players remain unavailable for Morocco’s opening qualifier against Gabon.
Hakimi’s suspension means he will miss the opening CAF fixtures, while Saibari is also serving the active portion of his revised suspension.
Why Ouahbi Allowed the Late Arrival
With neither player able to feature against Gabon, Ouahbi gave them permission to join the group later.
Morocco began its preparations at Maâmora on Monday, September 21, with Hakimi and Saibari the only two members of the 29-man squad absent from the first training session. They were expected to join their teammates on Wednesday.
Their delayed arrival therefore did not reflect a problem with their involvement in the national team. Instead, it was a practical decision made around their availability for the opening competitive fixture.
The coaching staff could begin preparations with the players who were available, while the two suspended internationals joined the squad once their schedules allowed.
Hakimi Remains Part of the National Team Plans
Despite his suspension, Hakimi was still selected by Ouahbi for the September international window.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back remains an important member of the national team setup, and his inclusion in the squad means the coaching staff continue to consider him as part of their plans beyond the opening fixtures.
Morocco will face Gabon on September 25, followed by Lesotho in Bloemfontein on September 29, before a friendly against Ghana in Tangier on October 4.
The Ghana fixture could therefore provide an opportunity for the suspended players to return to action for the national team, subject to their respective disciplinary situations.
A Separate Legal Development for Hakimi
Away from the football pitch, Hakimi also faced a significant legal development this week.
On September 23, 2026, France’s Court of Cassation rejected his appeal against the decision to send him to trial in a rape case dating from 2023. The ruling means the case will proceed before the departmental criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine.
Hakimi has denied the allegation from the beginning of the proceedings. The Court of Cassation’s decision concerned his appeal against the order sending him to trial; it did not determine his guilt or innocence on the underlying allegation.
No trial date has been set at this stage.
Focus Returns to the National Team
For now, the focus around the Atlas Lions is firmly on the beginning of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Hakimi and Saibari have now joined their teammates in camp, allowing Ouahbi to work with the complete squad even though both will be unavailable for the opening match against Gabon.
Morocco will therefore begin its campaign without two established internationals, while the rest of the squad prepares to make a positive start at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.