Morocco’s U17 team made headlines at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Doha, Qatar after coach Abdelhamid Baha used FIFA’s new green card system to challenge a red-card decision. The move helped Morocco take full control of their final group match against New Caledonia, ending the first half with a 7–0 lead and finishing the match with 16-0. In the 31st minute, New Caledonia’s Jean Canehmez was sent off with a yellow card, following an earlier red card for Typhan Dreuko in the 23rd minute. Coach Baha used the green card to challenge the second dismissal. After a quick review using FIFA’s Football Video Support (FVS) system, it was found that Canehmez in fact should be given a red card, and was taken out of the game. With two players down, New Caledonia were left with nine men, and Morocco took full advantage. With more space on the field, Morocco attacked strongly. Goals came from Bilal Soukrat (3′), Oualid Ibn Salah (11′, 18′), Abdelali Eddaoudi (41′, 43′), Ilyas Hidaoui (44′), and Ziyad Baha (45+2′). Morocco had 73% possession, 12 shots, and 8 corners. New Caledonia only managed two shots. What is the green card? The green card is part of FIFA’s test system called FVS, used in youth tournaments without full VAR. Coaches can challenge two decisions per match, including goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity. If the challenge is correct, they keep their right to challenge again. Last month, Morocco’s U20 coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, made history by using FIFA’s green card system for the first time to overturn a penalty against Spain. But that wasn’t the only time Morocco used the feature; the team used it multiple times throughout the tournament. One of the key moments came in the final when Ouahbi successfully challenged a decision that led to a free kick. Yassir Zabiri stepped up and scored a stunning goal in the 12th minute, giving Morocco the lead in what became a 2–0 victory. The green card intervention helped shift momentum and was seen as a turning point in the match Even after their big win over New Caledonia, Morocco U-17’s future in the World Cup is still uncertain. They now have three points, but that may not be enough to qualify for the next round. Their fate depends on results from other groups, especially Group C and Group D.
