Latest news with #FouziLekjaa
Morocco World
2 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
Morocco World
3 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
3 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
Morocco World
20-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Links 2025 AFCON Investments to 2030 World Cup Preparation
Rabat — Morocco's minister in charge of the budget Fouzi Lekjaa has said that the country's infrastructure projects for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will directly support the country's preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at a ministerial conference titled '2030 World Cup: Financial, Institutional and Strategic Challenges' at the National School of Public Administration (ENSA), he explained that the government designed the AFCON investments as part of a continuous strategy to prepare for hosting the World Cup five years later. 'The infrastructures, investments and constructions linked to AFCON 2025 integrate into a coherent and progressive approach to prepare for the 2030 World Cup, guaranteeing a lasting legacy and optimized development of Morocco's sports, economic and territorial spheres,' Lekjaa said. Massive investment program underway The government has committed approximately MAD 150 billion ($15 billion) to infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. The program includes construction of a water treatment plant with a capacity of 2 billion cubic meters to meet industrial and domestic needs. Morocco will finance transportation infrastructure through public-private partnerships, with the state providing annual support of about MAD 1.6 billion ($ million) until 2030, ensuring project continuity and financial viability, according to Lekjaa. The minister detailed that mobility between host cities remains a central challenge. Morocco has already started developing high-speed rail lines and regional express networks to connect Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger, and the southern provinces. These projects will promote territorial and economic integration across the country. Financial structure protects state budget Lekjaa stressed that officials designed the financial structure to avoid burdening the general state budget. Morocco created an innovative financing and operation scheme in partnership with the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG) and the National Company for the Realization and Management of Sports Equipment (SONARGES). This partnership allows for 20-year amortization, guaranteeing investment viability while protecting public finances. Stadium construction on schedule The minister announced that construction work on two stadiums for AFCON 2025 will meet precise deadlines. The Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat will complete construction by July 31, while the Grand Stadium of Tanger will finish by August 15. Lekjaa positioned this organization within a broader vision that includes other international women's and continental competitions. The events will strengthen Morocco's organizational capabilities while consolidating its long-term sports and economic influence. Royal vision guides strategy Lekjaa concluded by reiterating that the 2030 World Cup fits into a comprehensive strategic vision carried by King Mohammed VI. The goal extends beyond organizing a major sporting event to driving lasting economic, institutional and territorial transformation for Morocco. The ministerial conference featured Morocco's commitment to leveraging sports infrastructure investments for long-term national development while establishing the country as a regional leader in hosting international events. Tags: 2025 afconFIFA 2030
Ya Biladi
20-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco boosts infrastructure for AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030 preparation
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.
