◆3 sources
Netherlands Under-21 coach Michael Reiziger said Ayoub Oufkir had given the Dutch youth side his commitment five days to a week before Morocco selected him, but that Reiziger learned of his choice for Morocco through the media. Reiziger said he respected the player’s decision but regretted both the loss of Oufkir and the late communication.
2 sources
AZ winger Ayoub Oufkir, 20, chose to represent Morocco after previously playing for Dutch youth teams. He had won the European Under-19 Championship with the Netherlands and had appeared in European Championship qualifying for the Dutch under-21 side. The KNVB said it was disappointed but respected his personal decision, saying it had tried to retain him. Netherlands coach Xavi said he respected Oufkir’s choice and that there was no need to discuss him further. The reports described the decision as part of a recurring pattern of dual-nationality players choosing Morocco, including Anass Salah-Eddine last year.
7 sources
AZ attacker Ayoub Oufkir, 20, was called up by Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi for two Africa Cup qualifying matches against Niger. Oufkir had previously represented Dutch youth teams, including the Netherlands Under-19 side that won the 2025 European Championship, and made his Netherlands Under-21 debut in October, playing against Norway, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Oufkir chose an international career with Morocco. His switch becomes final if he plays for Morocco against Niger, meaning he can no longer represent the Netherlands senior team.
6 sources
AZ midfielder Kees Smit reported to the Netherlands Under-21 squad for the European Championship qualifying play-off against Denmark after initially planning to withdraw while recovering from a groin injury. Following an agreement between AZ and the KNVB, he is set to miss the first leg in Vejle and join preparations for the return leg in Almere. AZ defender Wouter Goes and goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro withdrew from the squad because of fitness complaints. FC Groningen captain Thijmen Blokzijl was called up to replace Goes.
4 sources
Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman and Feyenoord attacker Jerayno Chess received their first call-ups to the Netherlands Under-17 squad under coach Michael Traveler. One report said Chess, 17, was selected following Ayoub Oufkir’s absence.