Issa Diop Makes Morocco Debut Amid Senegal Dispute

Fulham defender Issa Diop debuts for Morocco

Issa Diop makes Morocco debut after FIFA clearance, amid controversy over Senegal's stripped AFCON title. The Fulham defender switches from France, citing Morocco's World Cup opportunity.

Senegal displays 'Champions of Africa' banner and plans to show AFCON trophy despite CAF stripping them of title. Dispute with Morocco continues amid CAS appeal...

Issa Diop made his Morocco debut on Friday, amidst the chaos surrounding Senegal's stripped AFCON title. The Fulham defender switched from France, where he'd played U21s, after FIFA approved his Morocco nationality change on Thursday.

Talk about timing – Diop was drafted into the starting lineup for Morocco's 1-1 draw vs Ecuador in Madrid. PR coup for Morocco, securing a big-name debutante.

Issa Diop's dad's from Senegal, mom's from Morocco, and he initially wanted to play for France. He'd rejected approaches from both Senegal and Morocco, holding out hope for Les Bleus. But with no call-up from France coach Didier Deschamps, Diop's jumped at the chance to play for Morocco, potentially at the World Cup.

Diop's got the green light from FIFA, and he's made his Morocco debut in the 1-1 draw vs Ecuador. Now he's set to play for Walid Regragui's team, alongside big-name players like Hakim Ziyech.

“I was very happy to play in a team with a lot of good players, and I think I’ve made a good choice,” Diop said after Friday’s match.

Diop's switch to Morocco was no accident. He had talks with Morocco's new coach Mohamed Ouahbi and federation president Faouzi Lekjaa, sealing the deal. Now he's representing the Atlas Lions.

“They explained their vision to me and I was taken in with open arms by a cheerful group of players with a great atmosphere in the camp,” he said.

Morocco's got a rep for poaching players with links to the country. They've been courting players to strengthen their squad, but this win over Senegal's a first – they've snatched a player from under another African nation's nose.

تصريح عيسى ديوب حول انضمامه لصفوف أسود الأطلس 🦁

Issa Diop’s statement on becoming part of the #AtlasLions #DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/JhjkcAEHxx

— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) March 27, 2026

Senegal relies heavily on their French diaspora, with 12 French-born players in their AFCON-winning squad. Now, Morocco's got Diop, and it's a big win for them in the player recruitment game.

Senegal is fighting back after being stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title. The Confederation of African Football's Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final against Morocco on January 18 due to their walk-off protest over a penalty award. However, Senegal has formally contested this decision and taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is adamant that they were robbed of their title and is seeking to overturn the decision. FSF President Abdoulaye Fall has vowed to lead a “crusade” to reclaim the title, stating that the decision is an “administrative robbery” and a “shame for Africa.” The CAS has confirmed receipt of Senegal's appeal and will conduct arbitration proceedings “as swiftly as possible.”

Senegal's defiance is palpable as they prepare to face Peru in a friendly match at the Stade de France today. Ahead of the game, they held a press conference with a bold banner reading “Champions of Africa,” reaffirming their claim to the Africa Cup of Nations title.

Despite being stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Senegal plans to display the trophy to supporters before the match, showcasing their unwavering confidence. The Senegalese Football Federation has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), challenging CAF's decision to award the title to Morocco.