A close source of the coach quoted by Moroccan television channel Arriyadia announced his imminent resignation.
Rabat – Moroccan television channel 2M has denied rumors of Atlas Lions’ coach Herve Renard’s resignation.
A source told the TV channel that Renard is taking some time to “think about his future with the Moroccan team.”
The source added that Morocco’s performance during the 2019 African Cup of Nations (CAN) “will not be the only criteria on which his final decision would be based.”
In a tweet, 2M added that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) will hold a meeting soon to “decide on the future of the French coach with the Lions.”
“الجامعة الملكية المغربية لكرة القدم ستعقد اجتماعا في المستقبل القريب للحسم في مستقبل المدرب الفرنسي مع الأسود.
لحدود الساعة لم تتوصل بأي معلومة تخص استقالة هيرفي رونار” (مصدر مقرب من الناخب الوطني).@FRMFOFFICIEL @EnMaroc pic.twitter.com/Ll3POvUx7W— 2M.ma (@2MInteractive) July 9, 2019
2M added that its source had not yet received any information regarding Renard’s possible resignation.
The denial comes after Moroccan television channel Arriyadia quoted sources who announced the “imminent” resignation of Renard yesterday, July 8.
The news comes after the disappointing performance of the Atlas Lions during the Morocco-Benin match on Friday, July 5 in the knockout round of CAN.
Prior to CAN, the president of Royal Football Federation (FRMF) Fouzi Lekjaa said that there was no “guarantee” that Renard would stay with the Moroccan team after the African tournament.
However, Renard has long denied rumors on his exit.
مصدر موقع القناة الثانية: “هيرفي رونار أخذ مهلة للتفكير في مستقبله مع المنتخب المغربي. مسيرة الأسود خلال كان #مصر2019 لن تكون المعيار الوحيد لاتخاذه للقرار النهائي.”@EnMaroc @Herve_Renard_HR
— 2M.ma (@2MInteractive) July 9, 2019
“Some people talk about my future in the media to sow trouble in the Moroccan spirit and if it’s still a little too early to know what will be done, one this is certain,” Renard said in an instagram post.
He also denied that he would join another African team after his exit.
“Out of respect for Morocco and all Moroccans I will not leave in any way for another African nation regardless of it. Those who claim so are wrong.”
Renard has served as a coach of the national team since 2016, his contract will expire in February 2022.