In this respect, he said that the surge that followed the Atlas Lions’ epic campaign at the World Cup in Qatar triggered a boom in investments and infrastructure projects, among other things.
Referring to the Kingdom’s preparations to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, the Italian academic described these continental and global football events as a “sporting challenge” and “national projects,” relying exclusively on Moroccan expertise and labor.
With this in mind, the number of stadiums for the Africa Cup of Nations has increased, with renovated facilities in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir, in addition to the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, which is set to become a global icon, he said.
He added that these investments are not limited to football, but are part of a broader infrastructure plan that includes transportation, railways, ports, airports, and logistics zones, among other things.
“Football is thus at the forefront of a sustainable and inclusive development strategy,” said the Italian expert, emphasizing that His Majesty the King has repeatedly stressed the role of sport as a driver of human development and social cohesion, a tool of soft power, and a lever for inclusion.
After highlighting the reforms carried out under Royal Impulse, which have transformed Morocco into an essential regional hub, he emphasized the undeniable role of major sports facilities such as the Mohammed VI Football Academy and the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
Postiglione added that the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces are also included in this virtuous momentum, as an integrated development was initiated in the region to achieve modern sporting infrastructure and training centers for the youth.
These facilities, built to host national and international events, are not only sporting showcases, but also tools for social cohesion and tourist appeal, he said.
According to the Italian expert, Morocco has successfully embarked on an irreversible process of reform, particularly in the areas of democracy, economics, and social issues, with the ambition of making sport a bridge between cultures and peoples.
Editorial team/le7tv