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Rabat – Morocco’s National Press Council has denounced the accusations made by Moroccan news outlet Achkayen against Moroccan footballer Zakaria Aboukhlal.
The council issued a press release condemning the “unacceptable” accusations made by the Moroccan news outlet against the Atlas Lion.
Achkayen sparked controversy for accusing Aboukhlal of “religious extremism,” claiming that the player took advantage of Morocco’s World Cup achievements to “attract more followers.”
Achkayen’s news report stirred uproar, angering Aboukhlal’s fans as well as the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and Toulouse FC, where the Moroccan forward plays.
In response, Morocco’s Press Council said that the accusations made by Achkayen “can in no way be considered as respectful journalism work.”
“The focus of the press on any person because of their ethnic or religious affiliation is an unacceptable stigmatization which is moreover rejected by all press ethics codes, including the national ethics charter,” the council said.
Morocco’s FRMF echoed similar sentiments on Sunday, rejecting all accusations made against Aboukhlal.
Denying the accuracy of Achkayen’s report, the FRMF said that Aboukhlal had been “exemplary.”
The federation also vowed to take legal action against the outlet to “protect members of the national football team.
French football club Toulouse FC, where Aboukhlal plays, also condemned Achkayen’s news report, describing the accusations as “false, unfounded and degrading.”
Toulouse FC also stressed that it reserves all rights to use its resources to defend the image and integrity of Aboukhlal against all accusations that seek to damage his reputation.
