Younes El Mechrafi Re-Elected to ULIS Executive Committee: Global Recognition of Morocco’s Role in Safeguarding Sports Integrity
Younes El Mechrafi, Director General of La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports (MDJS), has been re-elected to the Executive Committee of United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS) during its General Assembly held on September 16, 2025, in Bern. As the only African representative within the body, he will serve a new three-year term alongside members from Europe, Asia, and North America, further cementing Morocco’s position as a leading voice in global sports integrity.
ULIS: A Global Shield Against Match-Fixing
Established in 2015 by the World Lottery Association (WLA) and the European Lotteries Association (EL), ULIS (formerly GLMS) has become a global reference point in the fight against competition manipulation. Originally focused on monitoring betting through a worldwide anomaly-detection system, ULIS has expanded its mission to tackling illegal gambling, dismantling criminal networks using sports betting for money laundering, and promoting education and prevention initiatives.
As a founding member of ULIS, El Mechrafi has consistently championed Africa’s representation in global governance, placing Morocco at the forefront of international initiatives to protect the integrity of sport.
Morocco on the Frontline Against Illegal Operators
In Morocco, the MDJS remains the sole legal operator for sports betting. However, the rapid rise of illegal online platforms poses a serious threat, from tax revenue losses and lack of consumer protection to increased addiction risks and the infiltration of organized crime.
To address these challenges, the MDJS has strengthened its global partnerships. It is a signatory to the Macolin Convention (2021), the only international treaty dedicated to combating match-fixing, and is an active member of the Copenhagen Group, which works closely with the IOC, FIFA, UEFA, Interpol, and the FBI.
Global Recognition for Morocco and the MDJS
Beyond his responsibilities at ULIS, El Mechrafi has served on the WLA Executive Committee since 2014 and has been its Vice President since 2022. He also chairs several strategic committees on betting integrity.
His re-election reflects the credibility and constant engagement of the MDJS on the global stage. “In a context marked by the proliferation of illegal operators and the growing involvement of organized crime, our mission is more essential than ever. The MDJS will continue to defend a responsible, transparent, and solidarity-based gaming model that serves Moroccan sport and the public interest,” said El Mechrafi.
With this renewed mandate, Morocco reaffirms its leadership in Africa and its active contribution to building an international framework that safeguards integrity and ethics in sport.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv
