Latest news with #FouziLekjaa
Maroc
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Maroc
Morocco Committed to Making 2030 World Cup Model for Social Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability
Morocco is firmly committed to making the 2030 FIFA World Cup a model of environmental sustainability and social inclusion, said the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget and President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, on Wednesday. The organization of this major sporting event aligns with HM the King's enlightened vision, placing sustainability at the heart of national public policy, Lekjaa stressed, who also serves as Chairman of the 2030 World Cup Committee. As part of embedding the organization of this event within a broader dynamic of ecological transition, Lekjaa stated that "this global celebration carries top-tier ecological responsibilities, with an ideal opportunity to accelerate our sustainable and inclusive development." During a conference held at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Lekjaa emphasized that Morocco aims to make this tournament a lever for urban, economic, and social transformation, in line with the strategic guidelines of the New Development Model. "Our ambition is clear: to make Morocco a key player in global football and an African model for sustainable sports development, balancing excellence with respect for the planet." For her part, Ilaria Carnevali, Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Morocco, welcomed the initiative to promote sustainability through sport, which aims to align climate ambitions with a broader sporting project. "Morocco demonstrates an exemplary vision by aligning its climate commitments with this global event," she told the press. She indicated that the 2030 World Cup can serve as a global model for integrating environmental goals while delivering lasting benefits to local communities and inspiring future generations. During the event, emphasis was placed on the historic opportunity the 2030 World Cup represents to accelerate Morocco's structural transformations in support of its climate commitments, territorial development, and international influence. MAP: 18 June 2025
Morocco World
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Accelerates World Cup 2030 Preparations with Ambitious Stadium Plans
Doha – Spanish sports newspaper Marca recently traveled to Morocco to witness the country's World Cup 2030 preparations firsthand. 'MARCA spent a few days in Morocco and verified 'on site' how the neighboring country is preparing for the 2030 World Cup that it will co-organize with Spain and Portugal,' the outlet reported. According to Marca, Morocco is already upgrading its football and social infrastructure for the global tournament, despite being five years away. 'The country, although five years remain, is already modernizing structures, both football and social, to prepare for the event,' the Spanish publication noted. The country is currently renovating venues ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), scheduled between December 2025 and January 2026. The 2030 World Cup will feature eleven Spanish venues, three Portuguese, and six Moroccan stadiums. Marca details these Moroccan venues: Grand Hassan II Stadium (Casablanca, 115,000 spectators); Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat, 68,700); Grand Stadium of Tangier (75,600); Grand Stadium Agadir (46,000); Grand Stadium Fez (55,800); and Marrakech Stadium (70,000). Five existing facilities will undergo renovation, while Casablanca's venue represents the cornerstone development. Marca quoted Fouzi Lekjaa, president of Morocco's 2030 bid committee and Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF): 'We want the final to be in Casablanca.' The Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid stands as the other major option, with FIFA set to make the ultimate decision — a possibility Spanish media have been actively promoting, framing the stadium as a frontrunner in FIFA's considerations. Marca points out that Brahim Díaz will serve as the Atlas Lions' star player. 'Brahim Díaz, the Real Madrid forward, will be the reference,' the outlet states. They observed him recently with the national team: 'Brahim was with his national team in Morocco these days, although he did not play the first friendly on Friday against Tunisia (2-0). But he could be seen in the box even singing the national anthem.' The stadium development project requires substantial investment. A recent report by the Center for Economic and Social Prospective reveals Morocco will allocate MAD 52 billion (approximately $5 billion) for sports infrastructure. This extensive investment raises questions about post-tournament viability. The report warns about avoiding the fate of previous hosts like Brazil (2014) and South Africa (2010), whose stadiums became financial burdens after their respective tournaments. For long-term sustainability, these venues must generate income beyond football matches through concerts, festivals, corporate events, and commercial activities. The report recommends establishing regional management companies and exploring naming rights possibilities, following models like Wembley in London and Allianz Arena in Munich. Construction proceeds with Moroccan companies TGCC and SGTM recently winning a MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million) contract for the second phase of Casablanca's Grand Stade Hassan II project. After the tender process closed on June 10, they submitted the only bid that satisfied all technical and financial requirements. Their scope includes heavy construction, waterproofing, steel framework, interior finishes, and carpentry. The FRMF aims for completion by December 2027. Tags: FIFA World Cup 2030Moroccan stadiums
Maroc
03-06-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco, UK Sign MoU in Support of 2030 FIFA World Cup Organization
Morocco and the United Kingdom signed, on Monday 02 June in Salé, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at supporting the organization of the 2030 World Cup. Signed by the Moroccan Minister Delegate for the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, and the British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, this agreement marks a new milestone in the dynamic bilateral cooperation in the fields of sports, infrastructure, and economic development. This initiative aligns with the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has made sport a pillar of influence, openness, and sustainable development. Through this MoU, the United Kingdom expresses its commitment to mobilize its technical expertise, its business ecosystem, and its support capabilities to contribute to the success of this major project. Both parties agreed to work closely on a range of initiatives, particularly concerning stadiums, transport infrastructure, and services related to the management of international events. This mutual commitment reflects a shared ambition: to make the 2030 World Cup a sporting, logistical, and human success—one that fosters economic opportunities and sustainable partnerships, in line with universal values of solidarity, excellence, and inclusion. (MAP: 03 June 2025)
Ya Biladi
03-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
UK commits to supporting Morocco's 2030 World Cup hosting in new MoU
Morocco and the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday in Salé to support the organization of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The agreement, signed by Fouzi Lekjaa, Moroccan Minister Delegate for the Budget, and David Lammy, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, marks a new milestone in the dynamic cooperation between the two countries in sports, infrastructure, and economic development. Through the MoU, the UK commits to mobilizing its technical expertise, business ecosystem, and support capabilities to contribute to the success of this major international event. Both countries agreed to collaborate closely on a wide range of initiatives, particularly in the areas of stadium development, transport infrastructure, and services related to the management of international sporting events. This shared commitment reflects a common ambition: to make the 2030 World Cup a success on all fronts — sporting, logistical, and human — while creating economic opportunities and building sustainable partnerships grounded in the universal values of solidarity, excellence, and inclusion.
Morocco World
03-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
2030 FIFA World Cup: Morocco, UK Agree on Strategic Cooperation
Rabat – Morocco and the UK have taken a step forward in their growing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday in Sale to bolster preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The agreement brings together Morocco's Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, and British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy. It opens the door to closer collaboration in key areas tied to the tournament, sports infrastructure, transport systems, and economic development. Speaking from Rabat, Lammy noted the UK's interest in forging new business links across sectors. 'Growth and prosperity will underpin our relationship with Morocco and beyond, helping forge new opportunities at home and abroad,' he stated, outlining London's broader approach to international alliances. In a notable geopolitical development, Lammy's visit also marked the UK's official announcement of its full support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a credible and pragmatic solution to the regional dispute over the Western Sahara. Douglas Alexander, UK Minister for Trade Policy, also pointed to Morocco's growing importance for his country as well as in larger global geopolitics. He said the country stands out as a key gateway for British business, especially as the UK seeks to expand its footprint in emerging markets. 'Morocco is becoming an increasingly important trade and investment partner for the UK,' he noted. At the heart of this agreement lies the shared goal to turn the 2030 FIFA World Cup into more than a global sporting event. The two countries strive to make it a platform for opportunity, economic, social, and cultural. The UK has pledged to share its technical expertise and to connect Moroccan partners with British businesses working within major international events. From stadiums to transport networks and event management systems, the collaboration promises to shape the tournament's foundations well before kickoff. This initiative also reflects a broader national vision in Morocco. The country views sport as a gateway to development and a bridge to the world. The 2030 FIFA World Cup offers Morocco the chance to bring that vision to life on a global stage. The signing ceremony took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale, in the presence of senior officials from the two governments. The event signaled more than diplomatic goodwill, as it marked the beginning of a practical partnership with long-term goals. With the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Morocco and the UK have now set the groundwork for a joint effort shaped by ambition, expertise, and a spirit of cooperation. Tags: 2030 FIFA World CupMorocc UK tiesmorocco infrastructureMorocco sports
