The Sovereign expresses deep emotion and sadness for the death of the former coach of the Atlas Lions and offers condolences and sincere sympathy to the family, to all his relatives, fans and friends.

     The Royal message also recalls the human qualities of the late coach and his love for Morocco where he chose to live, commending his pride and self-denial for Morocco's team all along his career as well as his success in raising the level of Moroccan soccer and achieving national and international feats that will be forever remembered by soccer fans.
 
    Mehdi Faria, who coached the national squad which participated in the 1986 world cup in Mexico and was the first African team to qualify for the second round, passed away, on Tuesday in Rabat, at the age of 80 following a long disease.