Morocco’s Sports Policy: From Royal Vision to International Success
A Historic Turning Point for Moroccan Sports
Since His Majesty King Mohammed VI ascended to the throne in 1999, Morocco has embarked on an ambitious reform project to elevate national sports to one of the Kingdom’s strategic priorities. The bronze medal won by the “Lionceaux de l’Atlas” (Atlas Cubs) at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games crowns an exemplary journey and symbolizes the success of this visionary royal approach. It is a testament to the Sovereign’s unwavering commitment to making sports, particularly football, a vital tool for human development, social inclusion, and international influence.
The Royal Vision: An Unprecedented Commitment to Sports
From the very beginning of his reign, His Majesty King Mohammed VI made the development of sports a central axis of his rule. This strategic choice is reflected in massive investments in sports infrastructure, the training of young talents, and the improvement of practice conditions at all levels. The “Mohammed VI Football Complex,” inaugurated in 2019, embodies this ambition. Located in Maâmora, this state-of-the-art center is designed to train future generations of Moroccan footballers while serving as a base for national teams’ preparations.
International Success: Moroccan Football on the World Stage
The results were not long in coming. Under the leadership of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Morocco has achieved remarkable feats on the international stage. In 2022, the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, writing an unprecedented chapter in the history of Moroccan and African football. This success is the culmination of long-term work, supported by a coherent and ambitious sports policy.
Women’s football is also thriving, with the Lionesses of Atlas securing their first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. These exceptional performances illustrate the vitality of Moroccan sports and the relevance of the strategic choices made under royal impetus.
World-Class Infrastructure: Morocco, A Host for International Sporting Events
Investment in infrastructure has enabled Morocco to equip itself with modern stadiums that meet international standards. Arenas such as the Grand Stade de Tanger, the Grand Stade de Marrakech, and the Adrar Stadium in Agadir have become references in Africa. This infrastructural development has positioned Morocco as a preferred host for prestigious competitions, such as the Club World Cup, organized three times in the Kingdom, as well as other major international events.
Morocco’s joint bid with Spain and Portugal for the 2030 World Cup demonstrates the Kingdom’s ambition to join the ranks of the great footballing nations. This initiative reflects His Majesty’s desire to make Morocco an indispensable player in the international sports arena.
An Inclusive and Sustainable Sports Policy: Sports as a Driver of Development
Beyond sporting achievements, the royal policy aims to make sports a driver of human development and social inclusion. The New Development Model, presented in 2021, places sports at the heart of priorities, as a lever to promote education, health, and social integration. The Mohammed VI Football Academy, a pioneer in this field, trains hundreds of young talents from all regions of the Kingdom each year, thus contributing to the promotion of equal opportunities.
Morocco has also strengthened its partnerships with African countries, offering its expertise in sports development. African national federations regularly choose Moroccan infrastructure for their preparations, thereby reinforcing south-south cooperation in the field of sports.
Sports as a Pillar of Morocco’s Influence
Thanks to the enlightened royal vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Moroccan sports have established themselves on the international stage as a model of success. The achievements of the “Lionceaux de l’Atlas” at the Paris 2024 Olympics are the latest illustration of a positive dynamic that is transforming the Kingdom into a major player in global sports. This ambitious sports policy continues to bear fruit, solidifying Morocco in its quest for international influence, while promoting the values of solidarity, perseverance, and excellence, cherished by the Sovereign.
Abderrazzak Boussaid/Le7tv
