Latest news with #RoyalMoroccanFootballFederation
Morocco World
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
FIFA to Open Office In Morocco
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), in partnership with FIFA, is preparing to open the first African Office of the international football governing body on Moroccan soil. The initiative aligns with FIFA's role in the advancement and promotion of football, while taking into account the universal, educational, and cultural impact of the sport. The official inauguration is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, on the sidelines of the Women's AFCON final, and will be attended by a distinguished presence and delegations. This move follows the signing ceremony on December 17, 2024, involving Morocco's Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa. The agreement includes provisions to support and implement FIFA projects. Speaking at the time, Akhannouch said the opening of this office reflects the trust international sporting institutions place in Morocco, particularly after its selection to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. The new FIFA regional office will be based at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura, Rabat.
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Infantino: ‘Morocco Has Become One of the World Centers of Football'
Marrakech – FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived in Rabat on Saturday, where he was welcomed by Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa. During his visit, Infantino spoke about Morocco's football achievements and upcoming hosting duties. 'I am very content and happy to be here. It's always a pleasure to be in Morocco, a country that lives and breathes football every day,' said Infantino upon his arrival in the Moroccan capital. The FIFA chief was quick to acknowledge Morocco's status in the global football landscape. 'Morocco has become one of the world centers of football,' he stated, noting the high level of both the men's and women's national teams. 'The Moroccan men's and women's teams play extraordinarily well and have incredible talents,' Infantino remarked. He also commended Morocco's capacity to host sporting events in a 'spectacular' manner. Infantino recognized the work accomplished by the FRMF in recent years. He mentioned the 'great success' of the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) taking place in the country, both in sporting terms and public attendance. Morocco is preparing to host several major tournaments in the coming years. The country will welcome five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and will co-host the 2030 World Cup. During a video message played at the U-17 Women's World Cup draw ceremony in June at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, Infantino called Morocco 'a fabulous country and land of football.' He noted that Morocco is 'the first African country to host this World Cup.' The FIFA president explained that the tournament will serve as a crucial platform to discover emerging talent, giving young female players worldwide an opportunity to showcase their skills on the global stage. Infantino's visit could include the inauguration of FIFA's regional office in Rabat, the fifth in Africa and the first in North Africa. The official protocol for launching this infrastructure was signed by Infantino in Marrakech in December 2024. Currently, FIFA has regional offices across the world, including four in Africa: Dakar (Senegal), Brazzaville (Republic of Congo), Kigali (Rwanda), and Johannesburg (South Africa). The organization also maintains offices in cities such as Paris, Zurich, Dubai, New Delhi, and several others worldwide. FIFA Tournament Sub-division Director Jaime Yarza previously hailed Morocco's track record in hosting major sporting events and the country's passionate football culture. He indicated these were key factors in choosing Morocco to host the next five editions of the U-17 Women's World Cup. 'We are confident that Morocco will do everything to ensure the success of this event,' Yarza stated, describing Morocco's infrastructure as 'exceptional' and 'modern and professional,' adding that 'Morocco now has nothing to envy from major European countries.' Tags: Gianni Infantino in Morocco
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
FIFA and CAF mourn the passing of Moroccan football legend Ahmed Faras
Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), expressed his «deep sorrow» upon learning of the passing of Ahmed Faras, Moroccan football icon and winner of the 1975 African Ballon d'Or. In a post on his official Instagram account, Infantino paid tribute to the historic top scorer of the Moroccan national team and captain of the squad that won the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations. «I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Moroccan player Ahmed Faras», he wrote. On behalf of FIFA and the entire footballing community, «I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends, to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and to everyone at CAF. Rest in peace». Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), also expressed his condolences, describing Faras as «an exceptional leader both on and off the field». In a statement published on CAF's official website, Motsepe recalled that Faras was one of Africa's brightest football stars, named the continent's best player in 1975 and a central figure in Morocco's historic Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1976. «Ahmed Faras was an outstanding leader whose contributions to football in Morocco and across Africa helped pave the way for the global success we now see from Moroccan and African players», Motsepe said. He offered his heartfelt sympathies and support to «the family of the deceased, his former teammates, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, its president Fouzi Lekjaa, and the Moroccan people. Ahmed Faras will forever live in our hearts and memories. May God bless him and grant him eternal peace».
Morocco World
7 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Moroccan Football Legend Ahmed Faras Passes Away Aged 78
Rabat — Morocco's football family mourned today the loss of Ahmed Faras, a true icon of Moroccan football who passed away at the age of 78 following a battle with illness. Faras left a lasting legacy behind in Moroccan sports history, both for his city's club and the national team. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation had been covering his medical expenses in recognition of his invaluable contributions to national football. Faras left a legacy and indelible mark on the history of Moroccan football, both at Mohammedia club and the national team level. Loyal to SC Chabab Mohammedia throughout his career, he is the epitome of sporting loyalty. From his debut in 1964 until his retirement in 1982, he spent 17 years defending the colors of his hometown club, leading it to the top of the national championship in 1980. A formidable striker, a fine technician and a leader on the pitch, Faras shone with his eye for goal and elegance. Top scorer in the league in 1969 and 1973, winner of the Throne Cup twice in 1972, 1975, he also offered his club the National Supercup in 1975 and a Maghreb consecration by winning the Maghreb Cup Winners' Cup in 1973. But it was with the Moroccan national team that Faras became a true legend. An exemplary captain, he took part in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, Morocco's first appearance in the competition. The iconic player made history as the first Moroccan player to win the African Golden Ball in 1975. Faras also led Morocco's Atlas Lions to their only Africa Cup of Nations victory in Ethiopia in 1976, winning the title of best player of the competition, confirming his status as a benchmark of African football. Tags: Ahmed FaresFootballMoroccan footballer
Ya Biladi
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
CAF investigates Algerian women's team for alleged violations during Morocco WAFCON
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Thursday evening that it has launched an investigation into the Algerian women's national team over alleged breaches of CAF regulations during the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2024). In its statement, CAF noted that it would refrain from commenting further until the investigation is concluded. While the statement did not detail the alleged violations, they are believed to relate to actions by the Algerian delegation aimed at concealing references to the host country, Morocco. These include covering or removing the name «Morocco» from official tournament badges during media appearances and placing black tape over the logo of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation on reserved seating. Moreover, Algerian state media reportedly obscured both the «Morocco 2024» tournament branding and the Royal Air Maroc logo, one of the official sponsors, during a press conference with the Algerian team's coach.
