Morocco strengthens football governance as it builds toward World Cup 2030
Morocco continues to reinforce its position as one of Africa’s leading football nations. On June 5, 2026, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) held its Extraordinary General Assembly at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, one of the continent’s most advanced sports facilities.
The gathering brought together stakeholders from across Moroccan football to discuss the ongoing modernization of the sport and the future development of the national football ecosystem.
Speaking during the meeting, FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa highlighted the progress achieved through a series of reforms that have transformed Moroccan football over the past decade. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum as the country prepares for major international events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.
The president praised the support provided by King Mohammed VI for the development of sport and football infrastructure across the Kingdom. He also acknowledged the contributions of clubs, coaches, administrators, and technical staff who continue to drive the growth of Moroccan football.
During the session, members unanimously approved amendments to several provisions of the federation’s statutes, aligning governance structures with the evolving needs of the national football system.
The meeting reflects Morocco’s broader ambition to establish itself not only as a football powerhouse in Africa but also as a global sporting destination capable of hosting world-class events. With modern infrastructure, strong governance, and consistent investment in talent development, Morocco continues to strengthen its reputation on the international stage.
Morocco–Senegal Final: Reports highlight chaos and strengthen Morocco’s legal case
New details have emerged regarding the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, reinforcing Morocco’s position in the ongoing dispute.
According to revelations from Le Monde, multiple official reports describe a chaotic situation during the match, including a 12-minute interruption that may have influenced key moments of the game.
The final’s general coordinator, Khaled Lemkecher, reportedly noted that several Senegalese players left the pitch and headed to the dressing room, leaving Sadio Mané alone on the field during the disruption.
In addition, a security report highlighted crowd violence and raised concerns over possible pressure on referees to avoid issuing red cards to Senegalese players.
These reports, prepared by officials from multiple African nations, are now central to Morocco’s legal approach. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is seeking a clear application of the rules, arguing that the integrity of the competition must be upheld.
As the case progresses, these revelations could play a decisive role in the final outcome of the dispute.
AFCON 2025 : CAS verdict looms as legal expert backs Morocco’s title
The Morocco’s AFCON 2025 triumph remains a major talking point across African football. Awarded by the Confederation of African Football at the expense of Senegal, the title is now under scrutiny, with a final decision expected from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
As the legal battle unfolds, confidence appears to be growing on the Moroccan side. Speaking to Onze Mondial, Paris-based lawyer Romain Bizzini suggested that the odds favor Morocco retaining the title.
“I would say there is a 75% chance that CAF’s decision will be upheld and that Morocco will remain champions (…) The strict application of the regulations works in favor of confirming the forfeit,” he explained.
This legal perspective reinforces the idea that the governing body’s decision was grounded in regulatory compliance. Unless procedural flaws or new evidence emerge, CAS is likely to validate CAF’s ruling.
For Morocco, this would represent not only a legal victory but also the confirmation of a historic continental achievement. As the football world awaits the final verdict, Moroccan supporters remain cautiously optimistic that the title will stand.
World Cup 2030: Morocco, Spain and Portugal build a new economic alliance
As preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup intensify, Morocco, Spain and Portugal are shaping an unprecedented trilateral economic partnership. Meeting in Rabat, public and private stakeholders highlighted the event’s potential to generate long-term growth beyond football. Held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the business forum emphasized infrastructure development, transport connectivity and cross-border coordination, as the tournament will span two continents for the first time in World Cup history.
Morocco’s recent success in hosting the Africa Cup of Nations was presented as proof of its organizational capacity. Major investments in airports, high-speed rail and logistics are already underway.
For all three countries, World Cup 2030 is seen as a catalyst for sustainable development, youth employment and Euro-African cooperation.
Morocco FA denies reports of Walid Regragui’s resignation
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially denied reports claiming that national team head coach Walid Regragui has resigned.
In an official statement, the federation said it “categorically denies the information circulated by some media outlets regarding the resignation of the national team coach, Mr. Walid Regragui.”
The clarification comes amid widespread speculation in the press over the future of the Lions of the Atlas’ head coach. As of now, Walid Regragui remains in charge, with no official decision announced by the federation.
AFCON 2025 Final: FRMF Files Appeal Against CAF Disciplinary Sanctions
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has announced that it has filed an appeal against the disciplinary sanctions issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
In an official statement, the FRMF said the appeal concerns serious incidents that occurred during the match played on January 18, 2026, including the temporary withdrawal of Senegalese players and staff from the pitch, as well as pitch invasions by supporters.
According to the Moroccan federation, these incidents disrupted the normal flow of the final. The appeal seeks a review of the disciplinary decisions taken by CAF’s competent bodies.
AFCON 2025 final: CAF president calls for regulatory review after disciplinary rulings
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has addressed the aftermath of the disciplinary sanctions imposed following the AFCON 2025 final held in Morocco, reaffirming the confederation’s commitment to protecting the credibility of African football.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football, said
« I am absolutely determined, as are the CAF Executive Committee (COMEX) and the Presidents of CAF Member Associations, representing 54 African countries, to preserve and strengthen the integrity, reputation, and global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions. I was deeply disappointed by the unacceptable incidents that occurred during the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025.
I have taken note of the decision handed down by the CAF Disciplinary Committee, announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and I fully respect all decisions made by our judicial bodies, which I will strictly comply with.
I have convened a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (COMEX), CAF’s highest decision-making body outside the Annual Ordinary General Assembly, to review CAF regulations, including the Disciplinary Code. This review aims to ensure that CAF’s judicial bodies have sufficient powers to impose appropriate and dissuasive sanctions in cases of serious violations of CAF’s Statutes, Regulations, and Disciplinary Code, as well as for any behavior that seriously damages the reputation, integrity, respect, and global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions.
In recent years, we have significantly improved the quality, integrity, independence, skills, and expertise of African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners. We are determined to allocate additional financial resources and enhanced technical expertise to ensure that the quality, integrity, impartiality, skills, and expertise of African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners are comparable to the best in the world.
One of the first decisions I made upon becoming CAF President was to ensure the independence and impartiality of the CAF Referees Committee, which is composed of members nominated by the 54 CAF Member Associations, as well as the most qualified and respected referees on the continent. It is essential that African referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners are perceived, respected, and recognized as impartial, fair, and world-class.
I am confident that with the additional reforms and far-reaching measures we are putting in place, African football and CAF competitions will continue to be respected, admired, and ranked among the best in the world. «
AFCON 2025: Morocco announces significant revenue from hosting the tournament
Morocco has reported €1.5 billion in revenues from hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, according to official figures released by the government on January 26, 2025.
The tournament, held from December 21 to January 18, marked the 35th edition of AFCON and generated significant income through sponsorship deals and ticket sales. Prior to the opening match, revenues had already reached €300 million, a record equal to the combined total of the previous four editions.
Authorities attribute these results to a high-level organizational framework and modern infrastructure meeting international standards.
However, revenues do not equate to net profit. The Moroccan government invested €2.3 billion in stadium renovations, road networks and airport upgrades, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which hosted the opening match and the final.
As a result, the event shows an estimated temporary deficit of €800 million, which officials expect to offset in the long term, particularly ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
La Casa Del CAN: a remarkable success!
La Casa Del CAN has closed its doors, but the experience remains deeply rooted. More than a concept, more than a content hub, this Phase 2 of project « Destination Morocco 2025: Terre de Football; Kingdom of Football » has been an intense, demanding, and revealing human adventure. It echoes the resounding success of the project’s first stage: the Cotonou–Rabat road trip, which had already captured imaginations with its energy, creativity, and ability to connect Africa through football.
For several weeks, La Casa Del CAN was a home before it was a production space. A house inhabited by talents from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their sensitivities, rhythms, visions, and vulnerabilities. The AFCON was experienced here away from the stands, but up close with humanity: in late-night discussions, constructive disagreements, shared laughter, accumulated fatigue, spontaneous support, and silences that sometimes spoke louder than words.
The experience was enriched by the remarkable visits of Momo de Paris, Simo Sedraty, La Jaguar, Lassissi, and many others. Each brought their energy, stories, and perspective on Africa, strengthening the lively and open character of La Casa Del CAN.
What this adventure revealed above all was the complexity and richness of African cohabitation. Cultures met, personalities clashed, egos learned to step aside for the collective. Nothing was smooth, and that is precisely its value. Real Africa is not told in a fixed set, but in movement, constant adaptation, and the ability to build together despite differences.
Creatively, La Casa Del CAN became a laboratory. Vlogs, live streams, short formats, debates, life moments, premium content: each day was an attempt to tell AFCON differently. Not just football, but what it triggers: emotions, conversations, identities, passions, and sometimes tensions. Content was not merely a goal; it reflected a shared daily life.
On a human level, the experience was formative. It challenged everyone to listen, collaborate, handle pressure, respect others, and self-reflect. La Casa Del CAN didn’t just produce images; it forged bonds, created lasting memories, and left deep lessons about collective work on a Pan-African scale.
This adventure could only have happened in Morocco. A welcoming land, an African crossroads, a convergence space, the Kingdom provided the setting, stability, and openness necessary for this human and creative experiment. Through La Casa Del CAN, Morocco once again demonstrated its ability to unite, connect, and project African youth into ambitious and modern narratives, perfectly aligned with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
La Casa Del CAN therefore ends without a real conclusion. What was experienced goes beyond the timeline of the competition. The images will continue to circulate, the formats will continue to be consumed, but above all, the human, professional, and creative trajectories started here will continue far beyond.
Quick-Witted Management, led by Zelkifli Ngoufonja, achieved its goal: to transform AFCON into an intimate, collective, and deeply African experience. A CAN lived from within, told by those who live it, with all its strengths, imperfections, and truth.
La Casa Del CAN closes its doors.
But the story continues.
Photo gallery
After AFCON 2025 final, Morocco calls for calm and strengthens ties with Senegal
Following the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, Moroccan authorities reaffirmed their commitment to calm and dialogue. This approach was highlighted during an official meeting held on January 26, 2026, in Rabat between Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
The meeting took place within the framework of the 15th session of the Morocco–Senegal Joint High Commission. Both sides reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations and their shared determination to further develop cooperation in multiple sectors.
Discussions emphasized the values of fraternity, solidarity and mutual respect that characterize relations between Morocco and Senegal, beyond the football context.
The meeting was presented as a strong signal of appeasement and continuity in the strategic partnership between Rabat and Dakar, in line with a shared African vision.
Press release
On Monday, January 26, 2026, in Rabat, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch held talks with his Senegalese counterpart, Ousmane Sonko, who was on a working visit to Morocco as part of the 15th session of the Joint High Commission of the Moroccan-Senegalese Partnership. These talks took place in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Mr. Nasser Bourita, as well as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Hassan Ennassiri.
During these exchanges, the two parties reaffirmed the commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, as well as their constant willingness to raise bilateral cooperation to multidimensional levels, in accordance with the guidelines of the leaders of both countries, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, and His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The two parties also stressed that Morocco and Senegal will remain faithful to the spirit of fraternity, solidarity, and respect that they have dedicated to serving the African continent, while also praising the role of the Moroccan community residing in Senegal and the Senegalese community living in Morocco in strengthening the exceptional partnership between the two countries.
The Head of Government praised the close human, religious, and economic ties between the two nations, illustrated in particular by the eight visits made by His Majesty the King, may God preserve him, to Senegal. He also highlighted the central role played by the Republic of Senegal in royal initiatives aimed at consolidating development in Africa, notably the Royal Initiative to facilitate access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean.
This meeting was an opportunity to note the qualitative evolution of ministerial exchanges, the enrichment of the legal framework governing bilateral cooperation, and the strengthening of economic partnership and investment since Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye became President of the Republic of Senegal. The 15th session of the High Joint Commission of the Moroccan-Senegalese Partnership provides a timely opportunity to strengthen sectoral cooperation between the two countries through the implementation of structural projects in the fields of agriculture, energy, trade, and the digital economy, among others.
