Latest news with #FRMF
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Sport
- 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
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
FIFA inaugurates Africa office at Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco
The Africa office of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was officially inaugurated on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, during a ceremony led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The event was attended by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa, and several other dignitaries. «This is a historic moment, a festive and joyful day that will be etched in golden letters in the history of FIFA and African football, in Morocco, and across the world», said Infantino. «I thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the momentum he has given to the development of sport across the continent», Infantino said, adding that the royal commitment to football development is «truly unique». He went on to say that the Mohammed VI Complex, now home to the FIFA Africa office, has become a nerve center for African football and a symbol of a country, and a continent, looking toward the future. «What we are inaugurating today is not just a FIFA Africa office. It's a global FIFA center that will have a worldwide impact on the game», Infantino emphasized. The FIFA president also recalled Morocco's upcoming role in major international tournaments, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the next five editions of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom will co-host with Spain and Portugal. «The world will come together here in Morocco», he said. He also highlighted the significance of Saturday night's Women's Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Nigeria in Rabat, calling it «a grand celebration» of women's football in both Morocco and Africa, and praised the unmatched passion of Moroccan fans. CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed the opening of FIFA's Africa office in Morocco, saying, «There could not be a better place to establish this office». He expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his continued efforts to promote football on the continent, noting that African football is now reaching a global standard. Reflecting on the performance of African teams at the last World Cup in Qatar, particularly Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals, Motsepe said he is convinced that African football is poised to dominate the global stage in the coming years. FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa emphasized that the Mohammed VI Complex, which now houses the FIFA Africa office, was made possible thanks to the enlightened vision of King Mohammed VI. He described the facility as the product of a broader strategy aimed at empowering Moroccan and African youth through sport. «This vision aspires to make Morocco a welcoming hub for talent from around the world», he said. Lekjaa added that the establishment of the office reflects FIFA's deep commitment to African football and the development of all its categories. He also reiterated that Morocco has long been, and will continue to be, a land of tolerance and a crossroads of civilizations. The agreement to establish the FIFA Africa office in Morocco was signed last December in Marrakech, on the sidelines of the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa.
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
What Will FIFA's New Office in Rabat Mean for Morocco's Football Ambitions?
FIFA has inaugurated a new regional office in Rabat to oversee football development across North and West Africa. The facility, located near the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, will serve as a technical and strategic hub for the continent. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa attended the official opening. 'Naturally, this is an important, fundamental, and historic day in the journey of national football — an exceptional path led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI for more than 26 years,' said Lekjaa. 'It once again reflects the special care His Majesty has devoted to youth, sport, and football in particular, alongside Morocco's strategic policy for its international positioning.' Lekjaa added: 'Thanks to Mr Gianni Infantino for FIFA's trust in Morocco and for selecting the kingdom to host this headquarters. Thanks also to Mr Patrice Motsepe for his continued confidence in Morocco.' Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next December, for the first time the country hosted the tournament in 1988. 'As the President said, Morocco will host a series of major events, starting with the 2025 U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations,' Lekjaa noted. 'We are called upon to rise to the occasion and are determined to write a bright chapter in football history.' Infantino said the new office is intended to strengthen FIFA's global presence. 'It is very important for FIFA to be here — to be in Morocco, to be in Africa, and really, to be everywhere around the world,' he said. 'Africa has 54 countries — 54 member nations of both CAF and FIFA.' 'This isn't just an 'Africa office' — it's a global FIFA office. A strategic hub. Not just an administrative one,' Infantino said. 'We'll work on development and support for African federations — that's a priority. But our top priority is football — women's football, youth development, training.' 'Morocco isn't just another country. It's become a beacon. The world turned Moroccan in 2022,' Infantino said. 'What that magnificent national team achieved was historic. But it wasn't just a fluke. It was the result of years of hard work by President Fouzi Lekjaa and everyone in Morocco, under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI — may God assist him.' CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA's investment in African football. 'Let me start by saying that, in Gianni Infantino, African football has a loyal, trustworthy, and committed friend and partner,' he said. 'The partnership between Africa and FIFA is incredibly important for the development of football across the continent.' 'We've made good progress. And, without question, our most dependable partner outside the continent is Gianni Infantino and FIFA. We're deeply grateful,' Motsepe added. 'It fills me with pride to know we have a brother and a trusted partner like Gianni — someone who stands with us, genuinely committed,' he said. 'Today is yet another example — a significant one — of Gianni's and FIFA's deep dedication to African football.' 'We truly feel the strength of this partnership. And together, we will make African football among the best in the world,' Motsepe concluded. Tags: CAFFIFAFouzi LekjaaFRMFGianni InfantinoPatrice Motsepe
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Lekjaa: 2030 World Cup Final Venue Not Yet Decided
Marrakech – Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and head of the 2030 World Cup organizing committee, has refuted recent reports claiming that Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium has been selected to host the 2030 World Cup final. Speaking on a special program broadcast on Morocco's Al Aoula channel Friday evening, Lekjaa clarified that the selection of stadiums for the tournament remains subject to negotiations between the three host countries – Morocco, Spain, and Portugal – in coordination with FIFA. 'Decisions related to the World Cup are not made by club presidents, but by the organizing committees of the three countries in coordination with FIFA,' Lekjaa stated. He pointed out that 'the press is free to publish what it wants, but what is certain, until now, is that Morocco, Spain, and Portugal have earned the honor of organizing this global event.' The FRMF president asserted that no official decision has been made regarding the distribution of matches or the selection of the stadium for the final. This comes in response to Spanish media reports suggesting that FIFA had chosen the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to host the tournament's final match. According to the Spanish website Defensa Central, Real Madrid had reportedly received confirmation from FIFA about renting the historic stadium for the final, citing its technological development and large capacity of over 80,000 spectators. During the interview, Lekjaa suggested that 'the opening and final will take place in the largest stadium ready for the 2030 World Cup,' a statement that positions Morocco's Grand Benslimane Stadium, officially known as Hassan II Stadium, as a logical favorite. Morocco builds the world's biggest stadium Currently under construction near Casablanca, this project – with a capacity exceeding 115,000 spectators – is considered by far the largest of its kind in the world, making it a strong contender against Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona's Spotify Camp Nou. The construction of Benslimane Stadium is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Moroccan construction companies TGCC and SGTM were awarded the second lot of the project in June, in a deal valued at MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million). The stadium will take the form of a massive white tent embodying the 'moussem culture' and will be connected to a network of highways and public transportation, along with sports facilities, including a 'green fields village' and recreational facilities. Lekjaa also spotlighted the North African country's golden era in football, both at the national team and club levels on the continental stage. He noted that 'the boom in Moroccan football today is reinforced by modern infrastructure, which will enable us to continue to excel and win titles in the future.' The FRMF president reminded that Morocco has become a central player in African and international football. 'The Kingdom is now a host for major competitions. This is not a slogan, it's a reality being built on the ground,' he said during the broadcast. The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with stadium selection subject to strict criteria including capacity, infrastructure, technological readiness, safety, comfort, and sustainability. The final decision will be based on a collective agreement between all concerned parties, with consideration for fair distribution of important matches among the three host countries. Read also: FIFA Opens New Africa Office in Rabat Tags: 2030 World CupFouzi LekjaaHassan II Stadium
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
FIFA Opens New Africa Office in Rabat
FIFA has inaugurated a new regional office in Rabat to support the development of football in Africa. The new branch, located next to the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, will coordinate FIFA's activities in North and West Africa. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and the head of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, attended the opening ceremony today. Fouzi Lekjaa described the project as part of a long-term strategy launched by King Mohammed VI more than 20 years ago. 'This office is part of a long-term plan to turn Morocco into a hub for football excellence,' he said. He added that 'Morocco will remain a home for African football, open to all players, coaches, and experts from across the continent.' The launch follows an agreement signed in December 2024 between FIFA, the Moroccan government, and the Moroccan Football Federation to establish the regional office as part of a wider strategy to build infrastructure and provide technical and educational support to African nations. FIFA President also announced that Morocco will host the inaugural edition of the FIFA U-17 Women's Club World Cup in 2025. 'It will be a historic tournament, and Morocco is the ideal place to organise it,' he said. CAF President Patrice Motsepe said: 'What has been achieved here is extraordinary. Morocco sets the benchmark for infrastructure, planning, and vision in African football.' The new office is expected to play a key role in Morocco's preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Tags: CAFFIFAFIFA President Gianni InfantinoFouzi LekjaaFRMFPatrice Motsepe
