FFF launch last-gasp attempt to convince Monaco's Eliesse Ben Seghir to declare France allegiance

02/04/2024 16:57

Eliesse Ben Seghir (19) may have already played two friendly matches for Morocco, but the French FA – the FFF – have not given up hope of the AS Monaco forward representing Les Bleus, according to a report from Foot Mercato. 

The France-born forward of Moroccan descent had represented Les Bleus at youth level, however, having garnered the interest of Walid Regragui, Ben Seghir chose to honour his call-up to Morocco’s senior squad in March. “It was a difficult choice but one that I deeply considered […] It was also a relief and I am very proud. As I said, it wasn’t an easy choice, but my origins won,” he said in a press conference, attended by Get French Football News. 

He added that the French Football Federation (FFF) had tried to convince him to keep in the France set-up, but in vain. After making two appearances for Morocco in the recent international break, it was thought that the affair was closed. However, the FFF have not given up in their pursuit of Ben Seghir. 

Monaco's Eliesse Ben Seghir (19) has explained his "audacious" decision to represent Morocco over France – full story. https://t.co/0CJxHUubsA

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) March 15, 2024

According to Foot Mercato, the FFF have reached out to Ben Seghir with increasing frequency since he pledged his allegiance to Morocco. As he has only played in two friendlies for the Atlas Lions, it is still possible for the Monaco academy product to switch his allegiance. The FFF are, however, running out of time. Should he compete in the two official World Cup qualifiers for Morocco in June, his international future will be sealed. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle