AFCON-Morocco 2025: French Ambassador to Rabat, MAP Director General Visit MAP-AFP Joint Newsroom

2025-12-24

French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier and Director General of the Maghreb Arab Press Agency (MAP) Fouad Arif visited the joint newsroom set up by MAP and Agence France-Presse (AFP) to cover the African Cup of Nations (AFCON-Morocco 2025), which is taking place in the Kingdom until January 18.

On this occasion, the French diplomat and MAP Director General followed explanations on the functioning of this editorial office, which is located within the Maghreb Arab Press Agency, and discussed with its managers the various aspects of covering this continental competition.

In a statement to MAP, Lecourtier welcomed the establishment of this newsroom designed to cover an extremely intense and major sporting event on which “the eyes of Africa and sports enthusiasts will be set during the upcoming weeks.”

“I am very delighted to see a team of French journalists come here to work with their Moroccan colleagues so as to highlight this major event in the most modern way possible,” he said.

According to the French ambassador, this project is the continuation of a long-standing cooperation covering a wide range of areas between the two news agencies.

For his part, Arif told MAP that the joint newsroom, which involves Moroccan and French journalists and mentors, forms part of the 2nd phase of the training program launched more than a month ago, with teams from MAP’s sports division, photographers and social media content creators participating in a training workshop in Paris.

This is one aspect of bilateral cooperation that is poised to grow and expand soon along with other areas of agency journalism, he stressed. “We are all optimistic about the outcomes and the interest both parties place on this cooperation.”

MAP and AFP signed last October in Paris a cooperation agreement to establish partnership in sports journalism.

The said agreement, signed by MAP Director General Fouad Arif and AFP CEO Fabrice Fries aims at promoting the exchange of expertise, editorial and technological innovation, and conducting common projects.

MAP: 23 December 2025

It is “an Honor” to Face Morocco, a Team that “Conquered the World,” CBF President Tells MAP

For Brazil, “it is an honor to kick off the World Cup against a team that has captivated the world with its organization, courage, and distinct style of play.” It was with these words, imbued with “admiration and respect,” that Samir Xaud, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), described Saturday’s highly anticipated opening clash between the Seleção and the Atlas Lions.

In an exclusive interview with MAP-Brasilia, the head of Brazilian football’s governing body promised “a spectacular show,” bringing together two dynamic, passionate, and globally renowned schools of football.

Fans, he noted, can expect a highly technical, intense, and deeply competitive duel, played in a spirit of profound mutual respect. “Starting the tournament with such a high-profile fixture underscores the importance of preparation and focus. I am certain this match will live long in the memory,” he stated.

Xaud, who took the helm of the CBF in May 2025 to spearhead a modernization drive, praised Morocco’s prominent position on the global sporting stage, achieved through strategic investments driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

“Morocco’s long-term vision, world-class infrastructure, and emphasis on youth academies have created a highly competitive ecosystem,” he observed, adding that co-hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal further solidifies this standing.

“For us, this commands admiration and respect. Global football is enriched when new powers emerge through robust projects, and Morocco is undoubtedly one of them,” he added.

Discussing the squads for this heavyweight clash, the CBF chief, a physician by training, took a highly analytical view of the forces at play. The Brazilian executive highlighted the teams’ contrasting trajectories, noting that Morocco has consolidated a successful model stemming naturally from the continuity of the squad that reached the semifinals in Qatar 2022.

Turning to the five-time world champions, the CBF chief noted that Brazil has embarked on a rebuilding phase under Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti. He explained that this new cycle aims to blend the Seleção’s historic individual brilliance with a relentless pursuit of collective balance.

While acknowledging Morocco’s historic achievement, which reshaped global perceptions of African football, and stating that the Kingdom “deserves full recognition for this,” the CBF president insisted that Brazil’s five stars must never lead to complacency.

“Our responsibility is different: we carry an exceptional legacy, but also the obligation to constantly evolve,” Xaud emphasized, pointing out that modern football has become increasingly competitive, physical, and tactical.

The top official concluded by noting that contemporary football demands more than just prestigious names; it requires structure, discipline, and tactical flexibility. These are the very foundations the sports medicine specialist is now striving to build at the CBF through strategic planning, rigorous enforcement of financial fair play, domestic calendar optimization, and a scientific approach to developing future talent.

Morocco’s Selection to Host 77th FIFA Congress Reflects Major Trust in the Kingdom – FRMF

Morocco’s choice as host of 77th FIFA Elective Congress confirms yet again the major trust put in the Kingdom, as well as its reputation in organizing large international gatherings, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) states.

Rabat will host the FIFA Elective General Assembly on March 18, 2027, marking the second time the Kingdom has organized this event, following the Ordinary General Assembly held in Marrakech in 2005, the FRMF adds in a press release.

Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), announced on Thursday the selection of the capital Rabat to host the elective congress of its General Assembly during its 77th session, with the participation of approximately 2,000 people representing 211 national associations from around the world, the same source notes.

Members of the FIFA Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, unanimously approved this decision, the press release points out.

Morocco’s FRMF Endorses Infantino’s Candidacy for FIFA Presidency

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), chaired by Fouzi Lekjaa, announces its support for Gianni Infantino’s candidacy for the FIFA presidency.

In a letter of nomination and support published on its official website, the FRMF “officially endorses” Infantino’s candidacy at the elective Congress of world football’s governing body, to be held in Rabat on March 18, 2027.

In this regard, the FRMF wishes to clarify “that it exclusively supports Gianni Infantino for the position of FIFA President and, consequently, will not sign any other declaration of support for any other candidate for this position.”

This letter highlights the significant work carried out by Gianni Infantino and his team to promote African and global football, the FRMF emphasizes, expressing its determination to maintain its “fruitful cooperation” with FIFA bodies under the presidency of Gianni Infantino for the development and growth of football.

Morocco to Host 77th FIFA Congress in 2027

Morocco was selected on Thursday to host the 77th FIFA Congress, scheduled for March 18, 2027.

The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 76th Congress of world soccer’s governing body, held in Vancouver, Canada.

Morocco, Key Player in LaLiga’s International Expansion – Pres. Javier Tebas

The Spanish league’s international reach is firmly anchored in Morocco, LaLiga President Javier Tebas emphasized in an exclusive interview with MAP, highlighting the historical, cultural, and sporting ties between the two countries.

According to Tebas, the Middle East and North Africa region is a strategic market for LaLiga, thanks to the enthusiasm of passionate fans. In this context, Morocco holds a special place, as it is linked through “a unique historical relationship, and I think that is also reflected in football,” he stated.

In this regard, the LaLiga president highlighted deep relations between the two countries in the sporting arena. “There have always been many ties, as well as a spirit of unity and mutual understanding between Spain and Morocco in the field of sports in general and football in particular,” he explained.

For LaLiga, the enthusiasm of Moroccan fans for Spanish football give s a decisive edge over other leagues such as the Premier League. Tebas believes that in terms of viewership in this region, LaLiga could even surpass its main English rival.

This advantage is driven by the two countries’ geographical proximity, intertwined history, and the recent meteoric rise of Moroccan football, which Tebas deems “well-deserved and hard-earned achievements.”

World Football Undergoes Quiet Revolution Under Infantino Era – Morocco’s Federation Head

World football is undergoing a quiet revolution under the era of Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, said Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

“Overall, we are witnessing a quiet revolution in world football, a metamorphosis of FIFA,” Lekjaa stated in a video message broadcast on the Moroccan national team’s social media accounts on the occasion of the ten years Infantino has spent at the helm of the international football governing body.

“Speaking about Gianni Infantino’s record (elected on February 26, 2016) at the head of FIFA, I think it is clear to recall that what he has achieved is enormous. It is a complete transformation of FIFA,” Lekjaa emphasized.

“I would cite the total revision of FIFA’s governance, particularly regarding the clean-up of its finances, which has multiplied FIFA’s revenues and resources and subsequently made it possible to double and triple development efforts across all continents,” noted the FRMF president.

In the same vein, Lekjaa referred to “the revision and reforms related to competitions, starting with the men’s World Cup by increasing the number of teams, and extending to all competitions across all age categories, encompassing both men’s and women’s football.”

“Like all African and global federations, we have all benefited from the resources allocated to development, which has accelerated football development programs, whether in terms of infrastructure or technical supervision,” the FRMF head noted.

Tuesday 21 July 2026