Morocco’s fabulous football year – what’s behind their success on and off the field
In 2022, Morocco made history as the first African and Arab national football team to reach the semi-finals of the Fifa World Cup. The success continued as Wydad AC clinched the Africa Champions League title. Building on this momentum, the women’s team achieved a milestone by reaching the final 16 at the World Cup in 2023. Moreover, Morocco successfully secured the rights to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament and will co-host the 2030 men’s World Cup. To unravel the secrets behind Morocco’s triumphs, we spoke with Arab world sport specialist, Mahfoud Amara.
Over the years, Moroccan football has become ingrained in the nation’s identity since its independence in 1956. The sport holds a significant place on the government’s agenda, with support from the Royal Institution or Makhzen. The late King Hassan II recognized the role of sports in nation-building, particularly in boosting strategic sectors like tourism. His successor, King Mohammed VI, has continued this vision by actively bidding for major football tournaments. As a result, the country has invested in state-of-the-art sports facilities that meet international standards.
Morocco faces competition from other North African nations, such as Tunisia and Egypt, who also prioritize tourism and invest heavily in sports tourism and the hospitality sector. Regardless, Moroccans wholeheartedly support their national team, with enthusiasm extending to the Moroccan diaspora.
When it comes to women’s football, Morocco has shown its commitment to gender equality in sports, evident in notable successes in track and field and more recently in football. They established a women’s football league in 2001, formed a competitive national team, and hosted the Africa Cup of Nations for women’s football in 2022. These achievements have bolstered Morocco’s suitability as a co-host for the 2030 Fifa World Cup.
Securing the hosting rights for Afcon 2025 stems from Morocco’s political commitment and its growing capacity to organize top-level games. The country’s performances on the global stage have elevated its football reputation internationally. Morocco strategically positioned itself in African and international football governance, boasting influential figures like Fouzi Lekjaa, who holds key positions in organizations like the Confederation of African Football and Fifa.
However, the road to hosting Afcon 2025 comes with challenges following an earthquake. The country needs to allocate significant resources to rebuild the affected areas. Despite the financial commitment, hosting Afcon and the World Cup present opportunities to mobilize various sectors and accelerate development, particularly in the earthquake-affected regions.
Club football plays an instrumental role in Morocco’s success story. The domestic league, Botola, is renowned as one of the most dynamic football leagues in Africa and the Arab World. Legendary clubs like Wydad and Raja in Casablanca captivate the nation with their perennial rivalry. The league’s strength lies in representing major regions and cities, fostering a robust local fan base. Morocco’s early adoption of professionalism in African football has made it an attractive destination for African players aspiring to launch professional careers in Europe.
Revenue generation in professional football comes from sponsorship deals, naming rights agreements, TV broadcasting contracts, gate receipts, and merchandise sales. Hosting major international sports events provides opportunities for revenue generation through increased consumption in sectors like retail, hospitality, and food. Job growth is also stimulated as a result.
Although infrastructure development comes with a hefty price tag, most of Morocco’s football stadiums are already equipped for Afcon 2025. Refurbishments and upgrades are planned for the 2030 World Cup, with the financial burden shared between Morocco, Spain, and Portugal to reduce individual risk.
Morocco’s strategic location and modern transport infrastructure make it an appealing destination for football fans and visitors. The impending World Cup offers national and international companies operating in Morocco the chance to engage in branding and endorsements, tapping into domestic consumers and the substantial Moroccan diaspora in Europe.
Despite setbacks like the earthquake and the ongoing conflict in the region, both Afcon and the World Cup will serve as unifying occasions for Moroccans from diverse backgrounds. These events provide an opportunity for north African football enthusiasts to immerse themselves fully in African and global football experiences.
As Morocco continues to write its football success story, the world eagerly awaits future tournaments hosted by the country, where football and national pride intertwine to create a spectacle that transcends borders and unites fans from all walks of life.
Note: This news article has been written based on the given details and aims to provide an insightful analysis of the factors contributing to Morocco’s football success.
