logo
Morocco boosts infrastructure for AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030 preparation

Morocco boosts infrastructure for AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030 preparation

Ya Biladi19-07-2025
The ambitious infrastructure, investment, and construction initiatives launched for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are key components of a broader strategy to lay a robust foundation for the 2030 World Cup. This was emphasized by Fouzi Lekjaa, Deputy Minister in charge of the Budget, during a session in Rabat on Friday.
«The projects tied to AFCON 2025 are seamlessly woven into a strategic framework aimed at gearing up for the 2030 World Cup. This approach not only ensures a lasting legacy but also maximizes the development of Morocco's sports, economic, and territorial sectors», stated Lekjaa at a ministerial conference focused on the theme «World Cup 2030: Financial, Institutional, and Strategic Challenges», held at the National School of Administration (ENSA).
He revealed that an investment of approximately 150 billion dirhams (MMDH) is being funneled into key sectors, including the construction of a drinking water treatment plant with a capacity of 2 billion cubic meters, designed to meet both industrial and domestic demands.
Continuing in this vein, Lekjaa highlighted that the financing of transport infrastructure is anchored in public-private partnerships (PPPs), complemented by an annual state subsidy of about 1.6 MMDH until 2030, ensuring the projects' continuity and financial sustainability.
He underscored the significance of mobility between host cities, noting, «The development of the high-speed rail line (LGV) and the regional express network (RER) is actively progressing, particularly to link Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and the southern provinces, fostering the Kingdom's territorial and economic integration».
Addressing the financial framework, he assured that it is crafted to avoid burdening the general state budget. He elaborated, «An innovative financing and operational model, in collaboration with the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG) and the National Company for the Realization and Management of Sports Facilities (SONARGES), facilitates a 20-year amortization, ensuring the sustainability of investments».
Furthermore, Fouzi Lekjaa announced that the construction of the two stadiums designated for AFCON 2025 will adhere to a strict timeline, with the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat slated for completion by July 31 and the Grand Stadium in Tangier by August 15.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

FIFA President Tours Morocco's Renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
FIFA President Tours Morocco's Renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

Morocco World

time3 hours ago

  • Morocco World

FIFA President Tours Morocco's Renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

Rabat — FIFA President Gianni Infantino toured today the newly reconstructed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat alongside Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa. FIFA chief commended the facility as one of the most modern and innovative stadiums in the world of football. 'A football stadium today is much more than just a place to play football. It is a symbol for a country and a place to unite people, and this particular stadium is already a true jewel, showing the modern Morocco, a country projecting itself into the future and choosing football to unite the world,' Infantino wrote in a social media post. The stadium underwent complete reconstruction after the original venue was demolished in summer 2023. It represents Morocco's ambitious vision for its footballing future. The stadium is of strategic importance, extending beyond domestic football, positioning Morocco as a key venue for international competitions. The stadium is set to host a semi-final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, when Morocco co-hosts the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. Additionally, the facility will play a central role in continental competitions, with plans to host major matches during the 2025 AFCON. The FIFA president's visit reflects Morocco's broader football infrastructure transformation, with the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium serving as an example of the North African country's commitment to modernizing its sporting facilities. Tags: 2025 afconFRMFGianni InfantinoPrince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

Oussama El Azzouzi Set to Join Auxerre on Loan from Bologna
Oussama El Azzouzi Set to Join Auxerre on Loan from Bologna

Morocco World

time4 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Oussama El Azzouzi Set to Join Auxerre on Loan from Bologna

Moroccan international Oussama El Azzouzi is expected to join AJ Auxerre on loan from Bologna, with the move likely to be confirmed in the coming days. The 24-year-old midfielder will arrive on a season-long loan without an option to buy, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. El Azzouzi endured a difficult 2024–25 campaign, featuring for just 25 minutes in Serie A due to a serious knee injury. He joined Bologna from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023 but made only three league appearances during his time in Italy. Capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, El Azzouzi was part of Morocco's Olympic squad last summer and has recently broken into the senior national team. His move to Ligue 1 is seen as an opportunity to regain match fitness and secure a place in Walid Regragui's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted in Morocco from 21 December. Auxerre, who are looking to consolidate their place in Ligue 1, have been active in the transfer market and view El Azzouzi as a low-risk, high-reward addition to their midfield and defensive options. While the loan comes without a long-term commitment, it offers the player a chance to relaunch his career ahead of a busy international calendar that also includes qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

VAR Scandal Overshadows WAFCON 2024 Final as Morocco Questions Officiating
VAR Scandal Overshadows WAFCON 2024 Final as Morocco Questions Officiating

Morocco World

time9 hours ago

  • Morocco World

VAR Scandal Overshadows WAFCON 2024 Final as Morocco Questions Officiating

Rabat — In a dramatic 3–2 comeback that secured Nigeria the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations title, officiating decisions — particularly those involving video assistant referee (VAR) — have left Moroccan fans, players, and critics questioning the fairness of the match. The first controversial moment came in the 63rd minute when Nigeria was awarded a penalty. VAR determined that Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina handled the ball inside the box, although the ball struck near her body, raising concerns that the call was excessively harsh. Soon after, Nigeria's Esther Okoronkwo calmly converted as Morocco's fans loudly protested. Several minutes later, Morocco appeared poised to restore their two-goal cushion. A handball by Nigeria's Oluwatosin Demehin inside the box initially prompted the referee to award Morocco a penalty. But after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned. Moroccan players and supporters voiced deep frustration over what many describe as a clear handball being dismissed. Referee team and context The match was officiated by Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa, marking the first time a Namibian officiated a WAFCON final. Twanyanyukwa was supported by assistants Alice Umutesi, from Rwanda, and Tabara Mbodji, from Senegal, with the VAR led by Rwanda's Salima Mukansanga — an all-women officiating team hailed by CAF for demonstrating the continent's increasing investment in female officials. Despite the symbolic significance, several decisions turned the tide of the match in Nigeria's favor and left the hosts feeling wronged. Reactions and mounting criticism Local media and fan circles described the overturning of Morocco's penalty as 'scandalous' and 'one of several serious refereeing errors' against the home side. Discussions sparked across social media and football analysis communities. Moroccan sports analysts argued that VAR, meant to ensure fairness, instead fuelled controversy by overruling what they saw as key decisions in the final results of the match. Many believe these actions may have fundamentally altered the outcome of Morocco's bid for a first WAFCON title on home ground. Monsif, a social media football commentator, lamented the referee's call, saying: 'Today, the Moroccan women's national team has faced the greatest injustice.' One fan echoed this sentiment, on social media, saying: 'There is a need to reconsider African refereeing, which spoils all African sporting competitions, or opt for referees from Europe.' From commanding lead to crushing defeat As for the match, Morocco had dominated the first half, with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy giving them a seemingly solid 2–0 advantage. However, Nigeria responded with urgency after halftime. Following the disputed penalty, they equalized through Ijamilusi and ultimately secured victory with an 88th-minute strike from substitute Jennifer Echegini, set up by Okoronkwo's free-kick. While the Super Falcons celebrated 'Mission X,' critics argue that officiating decisions overshadowed Morocco's confident start and well-deserved performance on home soil. Discussions on CAF corruption reignited The focus on refereeing in the WAFCON 2024 final comes amid growing scrutiny of the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) internal governance. A series of controversies surrounding CAF have previously been reported, from allegations of financial irregularities to accusations of interference and lack of accountability. In 2019, cases involving CAF leadership in which funds have gone unaccounted for. CAF's decision‑making structures have also surfaced, with factors that feed a climate of distrust whenever controversial calls emerge in high‑profile matches. These broader concerns explain why Moroccan fans view the WAFCON final's disputed VAR interventions not just as isolated match errors but as part of a systemic pattern. As CAF continues to face calls for greater transparency, critics argue the organization must go beyond symbolic gestures and appoint independent audit mechanisms, open up financial reporting, and ensure neutrality in officiating assignments. Without structural reforms, even well‑intentioned technological tools like VAR risk deepening frustration rather than delivering fairness. Tags: MorocconigeriarefereeingVARWAFCON 2024

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store