Moroccan wrestling federation chief: I promised qualification, not medals

Fouad Meskout, president of the Royal Moroccan Wrestling Federation, responded to recent criticism directed at him and other federation presidents following Morocco’s performance at the Paris Olympics. Meskout emphasized that he had never promised Olympic medals but had committed to qualifying for international championships.

In an interview with Hespress, Meskout clarified that the goals outlined in the commitment book for the wrestling federation focused solely on qualifying for the Olympics and other international events, not on winning medals. He defended his tenure, stating that the federation successfully achieved these qualifications.

Meskout also discussed demands of resignation, which he views as a personal and principled decision. He noted that he had previously resigned from his role at Al-Hassani Al-Jadidi Defense “in the midst of joy” after a challenging period.

He expressed that resignation under current circumstances would be an emotional reaction rather than a reasoned response to pressure, highlighting his commitment to showcasing the achievements made during his term.

The wrestling chief pointed out that each sports category has unique requirements and preparation standards. He said that his tenure has seen wrestling achieve Arab medals and strengthen the representation of Moroccan territorial integrity through international competitions.

Despite the challenges, he emphasized that the wrestling sector had not received any of the financial support that was reportedly allocated to other sports.

Meskout detailed the successes of the wrestling program, including securing a podium position at the World Championships through youth development and international training programs. He also refuted claims of a twelve-year failure, asserting that progress has been made despite numerous obstacles.

Criticizing the social media backlash, Meskout accused some Moroccan fans of conducting baseless and defamatory campaigns against him and other officials.

He denounced these actions as criminal and unproductive, suggesting that they divert attention from constructive discussions about sports development.

Addressing the controversy surrounding a recent blog post, Meskout explained that his personal account had been hacked. He claimed that the post, which included a request for a “pizza” worker, was not authored by him but was used for criminal purposes. Security agencies are investigating the breach.

Looking ahead, Meskout outlined a strategy focused on developing champions and improving the sport’s societal perception. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address issues such as public reluctance to support sports and the balance between athletic and academic pursuits.