Flash actualités

Will Walid Regragui lead Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup?

According to the Saudi Sports Channel, Walid Regragui, former coach of the Moroccan national team, is on the verge of being appointed as the new head coach of the Saudi national team, taking over from Frenchman Hervé Renard. The channel reported that discussions with Regragui have progressed significantly. Meanwhile, the Saudi Football Federation had also approached Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi, who declined the offer, as did Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona manager, who was

Rabat court postpones appeal trial of 18 Senegalese fans to April 13

The Rabat Court of Appeal has announced the postponement of the trial involving 18 Senegalese fans, arrested for hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) final held in January in Morocco. The hearing is now scheduled for April 13. This decision comes after a request from one of the defendants, a «French-Algerian», according to a statement from the Senegalese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, as reported by Senegalese media. In the initial proceedings, the

Maati Monjib barred from leaving Morocco

This Monday morning, March 30, authorities barred historian and activist Maati Monjib from leaving Morocco through Rabat-Salé Airport. Monjib was en route to France, invited by Paris 1 University to give lectures, despite having received a royal pardon in July 2024. The Moroccan Committee for Supporting Political Prisoners announced that Monjib has initiated a hunger strike in protest against the imposed travel ban. In their statement, the committee characterized this decision as yet

Mohammed VI Tower in Rabat officially delivered by BESIX

Belgian construction group BESIX announced on Monday the official delivery of the Mohammed VI Tower in Rabat, marking a major milestone in Morocco’s and Africa’s large-scale architectural projects. Rising to 250 meters, the tower is the tallest building in Morocco and reflects a modern urban vision aimed at strengthening Rabat’s appeal as a dynamic metropolitan hub, combining advanced engineering with high-end economic and tourism functions. The project

Morocco's Tanger Med Port prepares for increased traffic amid Iran war

Idriss Aarabi, managing director of Tanger Med Port, Africa’s largest container port, said on Monday that Morocco is preparing to handle an increasing number of vessels as rising tensions in the Middle East force shipping companies to reroute their services around Africa. Major global carriers, including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM, have announced this month that they are diverting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope. In an email to Reuters, Aarabi said the rerouting is expected to

Royal Navy detains Libyan vessel in Agadir after collision off Dakhla coast

On Saturday, the Royal Navy successfully detained a Libyan-flagged commercial vessel named «Star of the North». The ship was escorted to the port of Agadir amid suspicions of its involvement in a collision with a fishing vessel off the coast of Dakhla, which led to the disappearance of five fishermen. According to media reports, the ship's crew originally comprised seven members; however, only six were present when the vessel reached the port. Meanwhile, authorities have launched

American students relocated to Morocco as Iran war disrupts Jordan program

American students enrolled in an Arabic immersion program in Jordan have been urgently relocated to Morocco due to the war in Iran and rising regional tensions. Initially, the program adopted a «wait-and-see» approach, but students were later instructed to evacuate. «Around 24 hours later, they were at the airport… to finish the semester in Rabat, Morocco», The Brown Daily Herald reported, citing two American students enrolled in the Amman-based program. Tyler

«Morocco is a serious contender», Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro warns ahead of clash

Paraguay national team coach Gustavo Alfaro believes Morocco is a «serious contender» to win the 2026 World Cup and even the 2030 edition, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Morocco national football team, Alfaro said Moroccan football is undergoing «continuous development that is reflected in the team’s performances». «I see them as strong contenders in this World Cup, and

French-Moroccan Lamia El Aaraje appointed Paris first deputy mayor

French-Moroccan politician Lamia El Aaraje, 39, has been elected first deputy mayor of Paris under new mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, AFP reported on Sunday. Born in Rabat in 1986, El Aaraje moved to France at the age of 18 to pursue her studies and steadily rose through the ranks of the Socialist Party (France), becoming in 2023 the first secretary of its influential Paris federation. Known for her firm stance and opposition to La France Insoumise, she advocates a social-democratic line

Spanish police uncover sophisticated drug tunnel in Ceuta linked to Morocco

The Spanish National Police have uncovered a new secret tunnel in the city of Ceuta, suspected of being used to smuggle large quantities of drugs from Morocco. According to Spanish media, the tunnel, discovered inside an industrial warehouse, shows a level of technical sophistication far exceeding that of a similar passage found by the Civil Guard in the same area about a year ago. Sources close to the investigation said the underground corridor is wide and equipped with advanced mechanical

Emmerson submits $1.215bn arbitration claim over Khemisset potash project

Morocco-focused potash developer Emmerson PLC said on Monday it had submitted a $1.215 billion damages claim, including interest and net of local taxes, in its arbitration case against Morocco. The dispute stems from Morocco’s rejection of the Khemisset potash project in December 2024, after authorities cited environmental concerns, particularly water usage. Emmerson argues the move breached its rights under the UK–Morocco Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). The company said it had

Moroccan diaspora in Germany strengthens cultural and economic ties

Youth and intergenerational transmission were at the heart of a gathering dedicated to the Moroccan community in Germany, held on Sunday in Frankfurt. The event was organized by the Amana associations of Frankfurt and Wuppertal, which are active in integration, education, and social initiatives. Held under the theme «The Diaspora: A Bridge between Germany and Morocco», the event brought together more than 200 participants from across the country. It aimed to highlight the

Benkirane says Iran faces «our natural enemy, Israel»

Abdelilah Benkirane continues to navigate a delicate line on Iran. Speaking on Saturday at a meeting of the PJD’s general secretariat, he said: «Since its Islamic Revolution, it must be acknowledged that Iran has consistently defended the Palestinian cause. That is a fact. And today, Iran as a state is facing existential threats because of that support». Adopting a more balanced tone, Benkirane also criticized what he described as Iran’s «aggressions»

Moroccan craftsmanship shines at Brussels' SMAP IMMO fair

Visitors to the 10th edition of the Moroccan real estate fair, SMAP IMMO, held from March 27 to 29 in Brussels, had the opportunity to appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage through its craftsmanship, thanks to a dedicated stand showcasing the skills of Moroccan artisans and the authenticity of this age-old heritage. For the first time in the history of this exhibition, a Craft Village was set up over an area of approximately 300 m², featuring the participation of 16 artisans

Moroccan Younès Belhanda accused of assaulting former teammate in Turkey

Former Adana Demirspor player Birkir Bjarnason has made serious allegations against Moroccan midfielder Younès Belhanda, claiming he was physically assaulted during a training session in 2022. In an interview with Icelandic media, the retired international described a heated altercation just days before the 2022/23 season. «He had a very explosive temperament», Bjarnason said. «He hit me in the groin, then punched me hard in the chin. I fell to the ground». He

Former Wydad player Reda El Hajhouj arrested for alleged criminal activities

Police in Casablanca arrested former Wydad Athletic Club player Reda El Hajhouj on Sunday morning, based on two outstanding arrest warrants. The 32-year-old was apprehended near Oukacha Prison while waiting for the release of an acquaintance, according to the website Goud. Initial reports suggest he may be involved in cases related to theft and assault, with a possible link to a criminal network. The same source adds that the player, who has also featured for Fath Union Sport, has

Hilton opens its first Hampton in Morocco

The new Hampton by Hilton has officially opened its doors in Benguerir, Morocco, strategically located near Marrakech and directly opposite the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. This prime location allows the hotel to cater to a diverse clientele, including «business, academic, and leisure travelers,» in harmony with the Green City's sustainability initiatives and its local socio-economic development goals. As the DoubleTree, which launched in December 2023, continues to thrive,

«I haven’t made a choice yet» Ayyoub Bouaddi keeps Morocco waiting despite positive talks

Following reports that he had given his «verbal consent» to represent the Moroccan national team, Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has confirmed that he has yet to decide on his international future. Speaking on Sunday ahead of France U21’s clash with Iceland, the 18-year-old said he is taking his time despite the approaching World Cup. «For now, I haven’t made a choice. It’s a major decision in a career, so I don’t want to rush it», Bouaddi