Anti-normalization group asks Morocco’s football body to end McDonald's sponsorship

The Moroccan Front in Support of Palestine and Against Normalization has opposed «a partnership sealed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and McDonald's». In a letter addressed to FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, the group denounced the agreement signed with a fast-food franchise «that supports the Zionist entity's army» and «US imperialist policy».

The letter argues that this partnership happens at a time when «the whole world is witnessing first-hand the genocide of an entire people». It further stresses that the football governing body should «partner with openly Zionist companies».

The Front recalled in its letter that «in Moroccan cities, citizens, spectators and players alike, have demonstrated their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause in the streets and inside stadiums». The letter urges the FRMF president to «immediately» end this partnership. The McDonald's logo still appears on the list of FRMF partners.

The Moroccan company FRI, a McDonald's franchisee in Morocco, had stated in a press release published in November 2023 that the royalties it pays «to McDonald's International are in no way used to support any government or political cause. Multinationals listed on the stock exchange are subject to strict management rules and to an obligation of total transparency in their accounts, whether at international, regional or local levels».

Since the start of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, sit-ins in solidarity with the Palestinians have been held outside McDonald's restaurants in Morocco.