Latest news with #WorldCup2030
Maroc
3 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
2030 World Cup to 'Propel' Morocco's Economic Growth - Spanish Think-Tank
The joint hosting of the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal will "propel" Morocco's economic growth and enshrine its diplomatic positioning, Spanish think-tank Real Instituto Elcano stresses. In an analysis named "World Cup 2030: Grand entrance of Moroccan soft power", Antonio Navarro Amuedo, specialist in the Maghreb and the Middle East and a member of the think-tank, writes that the objective is clearly "to strengthen Morocco's international influence, by showcasing the image of a modern, tolerant and emerging country". On the economic front, the author stresses that hosting the World Cup will stimulate the Kingdom's economic growth, through a vast program to modernize road, airport, rail and urban infrastructure. Aware of the positive spin-offs that the World Cup could have on the country's development, Morocco has been fully committed to preparing for this global sporting event ever since the Kingdom presented a joint bid with Spain and Portugal, he recalls, noting that the Grand Stade of Casablanca embodies this "new brand of Morocco, an ambitious, forward-looking country". According to the Real Instituto Elcano, sport, part of this soft power strategy, can be used as a vector of attraction and influence to make the 2030 World Cup the symbol of an emerging Morocco, just as the Barcelona Olympics were for Spain in 1992. Highlighting the 'successes achieved' by Moroccan diplomacy in recent years, the prestigious think tank states that co-hosting the 2030 World Cup is 'the culmination of a renewed Moroccan foreign policy, marked by the diversification of alliances beyond the traditional European and American partners'. This strategic repositioning is accompanied by Morocco's assertive return to the African stage, driven by two major priorities: the preservation of its territorial integrity and the quest for greater autonomy in the economic, security and defense fields, the think-tank adds. MAP: 27 mai 2025
Reuters
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Infantino says 'every idea is a good idea' after suggestion of 64-team 2030 World Cup
ASUNCION, May 15 (Reuters) - FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared on Thursday to give some support to South American confederation CONMEBOL's idea of having 64 teams in the 2030 World Cup, saying that "every idea is a good idea" and should be reviewed. In his inaugural address at the 75th FIFA Congress in Paraguay, CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez said all member associations should think creatively to ensure no one is left out of the tournament, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, hosted and won by Uruguay. "The 100-year celebration will be something special. And I want to underline the words of Alejandro (Dominguez) in this speech. He told all of us to think on how we can really celebrate it in the way it deserves to be celebrated. So every idea is a good idea," Infantino said in his closing remarks. The 2026 World Cup, which will be played next year in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has been expanded to 48 teams. CONMEBOL wants the next World Cup, which will be played in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco and also include matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, to have 64 teams. After the Congress, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani reiterated his disagreement. "I've already made a comment on that, no it's not a great idea, and you know, I think that we haven't even kicked the ball for 48 (in 2026), and I think, obviously they can study all they want, but it just doesn't feel right," Montagliani told reporters.
CNA
15-05-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Infantino says 'every idea is a good idea' after suggestion of 64-team 2030 World Cup
ASUNCION : FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared on Thursday to give some support to South American confederation CONMEBOL's idea of having 64 teams in the 2030 World Cup, saying that "every idea is a good idea" and should be reviewed. In his inaugural address at the 75th FIFA Congress in Paraguay, CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez said all member associations should think creatively to ensure no one is left out of the tournament, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, hosted and won by Uruguay. "The 100-year celebration will be something special. And I want to underline the words of Alejandro (Dominguez) in this speech. He told all of us to think on how we can really celebrate it in the way it deserves to be celebrated. So every idea is a good idea," Infantino said in his closing remarks. The 2026 World Cup, which will be played next year in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has been expanded to 48 teams. CONMEBOL wants the next World Cup, which will be played in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco and also include matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, to have 64 teams. After the Congress, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani reiterated his disagreement. "I've already made a comment on that, no it's not a great idea, and you know, I think that we haven't even kicked the ball for 48 (in 2026), and I think, obviously they can study all they want, but it just doesn't feel right," Montagliani told reporters.
Morocco World
01-05-2025
- Morocco World
Minister: Only Authorities Can Stop App Drivers, Any Other Interference Is Illegal
Rabat – Morocco's Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has declared that any attempt to stop drivers working for ride-sharing apps by individuals or groups outside the legal authorities is illegal and punishable by law. In a written response to MP Aziza Boujreeda, Laftit said that only authorized entities like the police or judiciary can intervene in such cases. Any intervention by unauthorized parties against drivers using ride-sharing apps is considered unlawful and exposes the perpetrators to legal action, he warned. This comes as tensions continue to rise between traditional taxi drivers and ride-sharing app users in Morocco, a conflict that has been growing for several years. The core of the issue lies in the legal grey area surrounding ride-sharing services such as inDrive, Careem, and Yango, which many accuse of operating without proper licenses. Laftit confirmed that using private cars to transport people through apps without licenses is illegal, but also noted that the Ministry of Interior and security forces are actively working to handle the situation. Security authorities are conducting campaigns to stop drivers offering transport services through unlicensed apps by confiscating vehicles and referring cases to court, the minister explained. The debate surrounding ride-sharing apps was reignited in December after a dramatic incident occurred in Rabat, where taxi drivers chased a ride-sharing driver through the city's streets. The chase reportedly began when the driver picked up a passenger at Agdal train station. Four taxi drivers followed the car to Temara. Realizing he was being followed, the driver dropped the passenger and tried to escape. A shocking video widely shared online showed one taxi driver clinging to the ride-sharing vehicle as it drove off, while others used their cars to block its path. The situation turned violent with punches and kicks exchanged between the two sides. Read also: Taxis, Ride-Hailing Apps, E-Scooters, Highway Code: Morocco Revamps Transport Ahead of World Cup 2030 Police intervened and arrested five individuals involved in the confrontation. They have been charged with reckless driving, obstructing public roads, and endangering public safety. The ride-sharing driver is also facing charges for assault and illegally transporting people. All five have been placed in Tamesna Prison pending their trial. The incident drew strong reactions online, with many social media users expressing concern about the increasing frequency and violence of these clashes. A number of human rights organizations have called for the government to urgently regulate app-based transport services and protect both drivers and passengers. Earlier in December, ride-sharing app inDrive issued a statement condemning attacks on its drivers, claiming it operates legally and pays taxes in Morocco. 'We are a responsible employer committed to operating within Moroccan law,' the company said. In his written response, Minister Laftit reaffirmed that under current legislation, offering ride services without proper authorization remains illegal. He cited Law 52.05 on the road traffic code and Royal Decree 1.63.260 on road transportation, which give law enforcement and the judiciary exclusive power to manage transport-related infractions. In response to the rising competition from app-based transport, he said that his ministry is also implementing reforms to improve and modernize the taxi sector. These include limiting the number of taxi licenses one person can use, ensuring only certified professional drivers operate taxis, and requiring contracts to be signed only with registered drivers. Local governments have also created new registries to track professional drivers and ensure stable, fair contracts between license holders and drivers, Laftit added. These measures aim to reduce past abuses, such as multiple license exploitation and unauthorized individuals operating taxis. Tags: indriveridesharing appstaxis
Morocco World
26-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa Appointed First Vice President of CAF
Doha – CAF President Patrice Motsepe elevated Fouzi Lekjaa to the position of first vice president during the confederation's executive committee meeting in Ghana on Saturday. The announcement marks another climb up the continental football ladder for the FRMF president who has steadily expanded his influence in African football governance. 'The nomination of Fouzi Lekjaa as first vice president is part of his remarkable work accomplished over the years,' Motsepe declared at the April 26 gathering. 'This appointment also reflects team unity in Morocco, as well as his commitment to the Moroccan people and to His Majesty King Mohammed VI,' he added. Motsepe didn't hold back his expectations, stating that he believes the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Morocco 'will be the most successful in the history of this competition.' The appointment strengthens Morocco's voice in African football affairs just as the country prepares to host the 2025 AFCON. It follows Lekjaa's recent re-election to the FIFA Council last month in Cairo, where he secured a commanding 49 out of 52 votes. Since taking the helm of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation in 2014, Lekjaa has pursued an aggressive strategy to increase Moroccan representation in football's governing bodies while simultaneously developing domestic infrastructure. He previously held the position of second vice president at CAF and currently chairs its finance committee. The 54-year-old administrator continues to juggle his football responsibilities with governmental duties, having served as minister delegate for the budget in the Akhannouch government since October 2021. Lekjaa's expanded role within CAF coincides with Morocco's ambitious football diplomacy agenda, which includes not only the upcoming continental championship but also the joint World Cup 2030 bid alongside Spain and Portugal.
