Morocco's football diplomacy has been used to isolate the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (RASD). CAF statutes were amended in 2017 to effectively bar the RASD from membership, and the city of Laâyoune in Western Sahara was allowed to host a CAF futsal tournament in 2020.
Tags : Morocco, Football, Africa Cup of Nations, CAN, Western Sahara, Saharawi Republic, African Union,
Morocco is using its role as host of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) and co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup to advance its national interests, particularly its claim over Western Sahara, while presenting its ambitions as beneficial for the entire African continent.
Sport as a Diplomatic Tool
Since rejoining the African Union in 2017, Morocco has pursued a strategy of continental influence. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has become a key instrument, signing numerous cooperation agreements with other African federations and providing infrastructure support.
Institutional Influence
Moroccan officials, notably FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa, hold influential positions within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This sway helped Morocco secure the 2025 CAN hosting rights after rival Algeria withdrew, a move seen as backed by CAF to support Morocco’s 2030 World Cup bid.
Advancing the « Moroccanness of the Sahara »
Football diplomacy has been used to isolate the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (RASD). CAF statutes were amended in 2017 to effectively bar the RASD from membership, and the city of Laâyoune in Western Sahara was allowed to host a CAF futsal tournament in 2020.
Contrast with Social Realities: The article highlights a persistent undercurrent of anti-Black racism in Moroccan society, citing recent incidents of racist abuse against Black footballers online. This contrasts with the state’s pan-African diplomatic rhetoric.
Security Concerns
The recent imposition of temporary e-visas on citizens from eight African nations, including Algeria and Senegal, raises questions about Morocco’s security priorities and echoes its controversial 2015 request to postpone the CAN due to Ebola fears.
Conclusion
While Morocco projects itself as a continental leader through football, the article argues this strategy primarily serves to consolidate its regional dominance and legitimize its stance on Western Sahara, all while navigating internal social contradictions and external diplomatic tensions.
Source : Slate Afrique, 20/12/2025
#Morocco #WesternSahara #CAN #FIFA #Football #AfricanUnion
