AFCON-2023: Achraf Hakimi, Most Expensive Arab Player (Report)

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) announced the extension of the Media Accreditation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 to Monday, 20 October 2025, due to a high global demand.

In a press release on its official website, CAF says it has received unprecedented interest from all over the world from media representatives, reflecting the great interest in this edition, stressing that this huge demand has necessitated an extension by CAF.

To ensure that media who are experiencing challenges either with their media applications for accreditation or to access to the media channel are attended to, CAF has also allocated additional resources and human capital.

Additionally, CAF has established a dedicated media services planning desk for all media to be based in Rabat at the Main Media Centre, noting that it is already operational at the CAF Rabat Office.

The AFCON finals will take place from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. 

 Ticket sales for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, the continent’s biggest sporting event, will begin on Monday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Saturday.

According to a CAF statement, the ticketing process for AFCON Morocco 2025 will launch at 9:00 AM local time (08:00 GMT), with an exclusive 48-hour window reserved for VISA cardholders.

The same source indicated that African football fans will be able to reserve their spots to join in celebrating the biggest continental football event. VISA cardholders will benefit from this exclusive presale from October 13 at 08:00 GMT until October 15 at 08:00 GMT. General ticket sales will then open to all other payment methods.

To ensure a seamless and connected experience, the Local Organizing Committee has officially launched the YALLA app, a dedicated platform for the Fan ID, which supporters will need in order to purchase tickets and apply for an E-visa/AEVM to enter Morocco.

A valid Fan ID created via the YALLA app is mandatory for purchasing tickets. Fans and the entire football community are encouraged to complete the registration process. Each Fan ID allows the purchase of one ticket per match, the statement added.

Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhanouch stressed on Tuesday in New York that co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal reflects the Kingdom’s capacity to undertake flagship projects of global stage.

Under the perceptive leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom once again affirms its ability to mobilize its infrastructure and expertise, while showcasing the vibrant image of Africa on the world stage, Akhannouch stated in Morocco’s address during the General Debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

He further noted that this sporting event serves as a tool of cultural diplomacy and international outreach, with lasting impact on socio-economic and human development.

The Head of Government also underlined that Morocco views sport as a catalyst for empowerment and social integration, as well as a symbol of international cooperation and intercultural dialogue.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Grand Stade de Tanger to follow the ongoing renovation works that are nearing completion “in record time,” the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced on Saturday.

Infantino toured the stadium alongisde FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa and the Wali of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Younes Tazi. According to the FRMF’s official website, project managers delivered a detailed briefing on the renovation works, which were carried out by Moroccan workers, national experts, and local companies.

Infantino expressed great admiration for the work accomplished and commended Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for its world-class infrastructure, which further strengthens the Kingdom’s standing on the international football stage, especially as it prepares to host major tournaments such as the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain.

“This is a perfect example of what Morocco has become—not only a great footballing nation, but also a country looking firmly toward the future. A country of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and, as you can see from this stadium, a country clearly determined to do incredible things for its people and for the world,” said Infantino in a statement published on the FRMF’s YouTube channel.

“It’s absolutely magnificent. I congratulate everyone who has done truly exceptional work under the impetus of His Majesty the King. It’s a real gem—this will become a symbol of Tangier,” added the FIFA President.

The President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has been re-elected by acclamation as a member of the Executive Council of the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) for the African continent.

Lekjaa’s re-election took place during the 28th General Assembly of the UAFA, held Monday in Riyadh, alongside Hani Abou Rida (Egypt), Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania), and Dr. Moatasem Jaafar (Sudan), according to a statement from the FRMF.

Furthermore, Morocco will host the final phase of the Arab Women’s Football Cup, scheduled from September 2 to 18, 2027, the same source added.

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, congratulated Morocco on the continental triumph of the national football team of local players, who won the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) on Saturday in Nairobi.

In a statement published by the pan-African organization and shared on its social media accounts, Ali Youssouf hailed the victory as “a proud moment for Morocco and for African football.”

The high-ranking African official also praised the tournament for showcasing Africa’s unity and talent, and applauded all participating teams for their passion and resilience. He also commended Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for their joint hosting, calling it a “model of regional partnership.”

Ali Youssouf paid tribute to Sudan for reaching the semi-finals despite the country’s challenges, describing the team’s performance as “a beacon of hope.”

Reaffirming the AU’s support, the Chairperson said sport is an important part of culture and diplomacy, and remains a powerful driver of peace, unity, and international cooperation.

The Moroccan local national team won its third African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) title on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, after defeating their counterparts from Madagascar by 3 goals to 2 in the final.