Latest news with #RoyalMoroccanFootballFederation
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Gianni Infantino : The U17 World Cup in Morocco, a beacon for women's football
The U17 World Cup Morocco 2025 represents a major event that will shine a spotlight on women's football, particularly in Africa and the Arab world, stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino. «Morocco continues to achieve successes, consistently demonstrating its ability to deliver major sporting events», praised the FIFA president in a video message shown during the draw for this edition, held Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora. In this context, Infantino emphasized that FIFA intends to build on Morocco's experience and expertise to promote women's football across Africa and the Arab world. Morocco, «a fabulous country and a land of football, is the first African nation to host this World Cup», he celebrated, while highlighting the importance of this competition in discovering the world's best young players and offering them a valuable platform to showcase their talent. For his part, Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa warmly welcomed the 24 teams participating in this edition to Morocco, «a land of hospitality, civilization, and prosperity». In his speech, he noted that the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which hosted the draw, is an «iconic sports venue that embodies the exceptional development Morocco has achieved under the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI». The draw placed Morocco in a challenging group alongside Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica. Scheduled from October 17 to November 8, 2025, this competition will feature 24 teams for the first time, up from 16 in previous editions.
Morocco World
a day ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Infantino: Morocco's U17 Women's World Cup Will Elevate African Football
Doha – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed Morocco as the perfect host for the upcoming U17 Women's World Cup, describing the tournament as a major event that will showcase women's football, particularly in Africa and the Arab world. 'Morocco continues to achieve success, demonstrating each time its ability to ensure the success of major sporting events,' Infantino said in a video message played during Wednesday's draw ceremony at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora. The FIFA chief noted that the global football governing body intends to capitalize on the country's proven experience and expertise to boost women's football development throughout Africa and the Arab region. He pointed out that Morocco, 'a fabulous country and land of football, is the first African country to host this World Cup.' Infantino explained that this high-stakes tournament will serve as a crucial platform to uncover emerging talent, giving young female players worldwide a golden opportunity to showcase their skills on the global stage. For his part, Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa welcomed the 24 participating nations to Morocco, describing it as a 'land of hospitality, civilization and prosperity.' Lekjaa said the Mohammed VI Football Complex, venue for yesterday's draw, represents an 'emblematic sports facility that embodies the exceptional development Morocco is experiencing under the reign of King Mohammed VI.' He continued that this world-class facility reflects the King's dedicated interest in athletes, particularly young talents. Read also: FIFA President Thanks Morocco for Hosting Upcoming Women's U17 World Cup Editions Lekjaa also emphasized the place women occupy in the national sports sphere, noting that promoting equality and parity remains fundamental in the country's development process. FIFA Tournament Sub-division Director Jaime Yarza praised Morocco's track record in hosting major sporting events and the country's passionate football culture. He stressed that these were the reasons why the North African country was chosen to host the next five editions of the competition. 'We are confident that Morocco will do everything to ensure the success of this event,' Yarza mentioned. He described Morocco's infrastructure as 'exceptional,' adding: 'The infrastructure is modern and professional. Morocco now has nothing to envy from major European countries.' On Monday, FIFA unveiled the logo for the next five editions of the tournament. The emblem features the trophy represented in the 'U' of 'U17,' symbolizing the collaboration between FIFA and Morocco while honoring talented young female footballers determined to pursue their dreams. According to FIFA, this modern and dynamic logo cultivates the heritage of the U17 Women's World Cup while foreshadowing the future of women's football. The logo will be visible in Morocco over the next five years, as the country hosts the event annually until 2029. Blockbuster Group A Wednesday's draw placed Morocco in a challenging group. The Atlas Lionesses will face Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica in Group A. Following the draw, Morocco's U17 women's national team coach Anwar Mghinia said preparations for the World Cup will be adjusted according to the opponents in his team's group. 'We will prepare properly to shine at home and in front of our fans,' Mghinia told the press. He explained that in such competitions, teams must always expect to face the best opponents, noting that all 24 qualified teams are strong and will play all out to defend their chances. 'We will adapt our preparations and schedule friendly matches based on our opponents in the group,' he stated. 'We will play without pressure and manage each match according to its particularities.' The tournament kicks off on October 17 and runs through November 8, featuring an expanded format of 24 teams for the first time, up from the previous 16-team structure.
Morocco World
a day ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Diaz Out of Morocco Friendlies But Says ‘This is Home'
Morocco's Brahim Diaz has confirmed he won't feature in the upcoming friendlies against Tunisia and Benin due to fitness concerns – but says he's fully committed to supporting the squad from the sidelines. 'It's been a good year, but a very tough one. I'm happy to be here with the national team. As I've always said, this is our home and our family. I'm just really pleased to be part of it,' the Real Madrid playmaker told the Royal Moroccan Football Federation's website. Despite being ruled out of action due to a muscle injury in his adductor , Diaz says that his presence with the group still matters. 'Unfortunately, I can't play in the two matches, but I'm here to support the team. We feel really comfortable together, and I'm happy to be with the players,' he added. The 25-year-old also spoke about keeping sharp while out of match action. 'Even if you're not playing, when you feel at ease in a place, it makes a huge difference. I'm training, doing fitness work, getting myself ready to be at my best again. We're preparing well and we're really enjoying our time with the squad.' 'So much love and appreciation' Diaz rounded off with a heartfelt message to Moroccan fans, who've flooded him with messages of support. 'Thank you so much to all the fans. I've received so much love and appreciation. It makes me want to give back even more – and I will. I'll do everything I can for you. I love you as much as you love me. Thank you.' Morocco team doctor Christophe Baudot confirmed the news on Tuesday, saying Diaz is continuing treatment at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. 'He won't be ready in time for the Tunisia match,' said Baudot. 'We'll assess his progress ahead of the second game.' Diaz started Madrid's final league match against Real Sociedad but was forced off in the 55th minute. His absence is a blow for Walid Regragui, who is already dealing with several injuries in the squad. Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui, Ghanem Saïss and Chemsdine Talbi are all unavailable, while Abdessamad Ezzalzouli remains a doubt. In response, Regragui has handed a first senior call-up to FAR Rabat midfielder Amine Zahzouh, one of the standout players in Morocco's top flight this season. Zahzouh scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists in 43 appearances, finishing the campaign as the Botola Pro's top playmaker. The 23-year-old was already training with Morocco's local-based national team at Maâmora and joined the senior squad for Tuesday's session. Morocco's upcoming two friendlies in Fez – against Tunisia on June 6 and Benin on June 9 – are part of the build-up to next year's Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. Tags: BeninBrahim DiazMorocco national teamTunisia
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Royal Air Maroc Sets Sights on 200-Strong Fleet by 2037
Rabat – Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is charting an ambitious course for growth, adding new aircraft and preparing for a major transformation of its global reach. The national carrier recently welcomed three Boeing 787 Dreamliners over just two days, on top of two new planes delivered earlier this year. This brings the total number of new aircraft for 2025 to five. Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh shared the update during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, June 3. He said RAM plans to acquire ten more aircraft before the end of the year and another ten in 2026. Each new Dreamliner holds 302 passengers – a capacity that signals the airline's steady push to meet growing demand. But the airline's ambitions stretch far beyond short-term additions. A major call for tenders will soon be launched to purchase 188 additional aircraft. The move forms part of a long-term agreement between the Moroccan state and RAM, covering 2023 to 2037. By the end of this roadmap, the airline aims to expand its fleet from 50 to 200 planes. At the heart of this strategy lies a sharp increase in passenger numbers. RAM intends to move from transporting six million passengers annually to 31 million by 2037. The company also projects its revenue to rise from MAD 15.5 billion ($1.6 billion) to MAD 100 billion ($10.4 billion) within the same timeframe. To support this shift, the airline will broaden its international footprint. From 99 destinations in 2023, RAM looks to reach 130 cities in the coming years. The plan reflects a clear ambition to establish RAM as a serious player among global carriers. Kayouh also recalled a recent partnership with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). Under this agreement, RAM will serve as the official airline for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Direct flights will connect continents, positioning Morocco as a gateway between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Meanwhile, the government also wants to strengthen air travel inside the country. More domestic routes are set to open, in order to boost local tourism and make Morocco's regions more accessible to both residents and visitors. Tags: economyMorocco fleetplanesRAMRoyal Air Maroc
Ya Biladi
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Women's U23 team set for international showdown in France
The Moroccan women's U23 football team is participating in an international tournament in France from May 28 to June 2, alongside teams from France, Japan, and the Czech Republic. According to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) website, the Moroccan team will face Japan on May 28, France on May 30, and the Czech Republic on June 2. In preparation for the tournament, Moroccan women's U23 coach Miguel Angel Sopuerta has called up 23 players, the same source reports.
