Agadir Grand Stadium undergoes 15-month renovation for 2030 World Cup FIFA standards
via Le Matin2 min read
The Grand Stadium of Agadir is undergoing a 15-month rehabilitation and modernization as part of Morocco's national program to prepare for the 2030 World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal. This extensive project, costing over one billion dirhams, aims to adapt the stadium to stringent international standards for hosting sports competitions. Initial work has focused on renovating the metallic structure and roofing, considered critical elements. The project is managed by the National Company for the Realization and Management of Sports Equipment SONARGES and the National Agency for Public Equipment ANEP. It builds on previous upgrades to sports facilities, road access, parking areas, public lighting, and the urban environment around the stadium. The current phase involves a complete restructuring of technical installations, including dismantling existing equipment, followed by reinforcement and reconstruction to meet FIFA requirements for major international events. Advanced digital tools are being utilized, such as Building Information Modeling BIM for integrated digital modeling and coordination, and "4D" technology for real-time progress tracking and anticipation of technical constraints. Quality assurance is maintained through adherence to ISO 9001 version 2015 standards, with internal and external control systems. Environmental considerations are central, with the project adopting High Environmental Quality HQE principles for sustainable infrastru
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Morocco's U17 national team finished fourth at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Senegal in the semi-finals and then to Egypt 2-0 in the third-place play-off. The team's performance against Egypt highlighted significant shortcomings, including a lack of inspiration, inability to challenge the opposing defense, and a playing level below expectations. Observers noted a technical and mental breakdown, marked by a lack of commitment and collective fight. Despite substantial investments in youth development, the team's uninspired showing at the Mohammed VI Football Complex has raised serious concerns. The defeat is seen not as an isolated incident but as a symptom of a growing gap between national football ambitions and on-field reality, characterized by zero midfield creativity, recurring defensive errors, and sterile offensive play. This failure also brings into question the strategic choices made by the National Technical Directorate. The departure of Nabil Baha, who led the team to victory in the 2025 edition, is difficult for many national football observers to understand. Baha had instilled a winning culture, mastered local specificities, and maintained essential psychological proximity with the adolescent players. The shift to a foreign coach, Tiago Lima Pereira, who is less familiar with traditional scouting circuits, is believed to have disrupted a successful transmission chain that had been effective since the era of Saïd Chiba. Prioritizing international cre
The performances of Atlas Lions players continue to attract interest from top European clubs. According to Dutch public media NOS, Bayern Munich is in discussions with PSV Eindhoven to recruit Ismael Saibari during the upcoming summer transfer window. The 25-year-old Moroccan attacking midfielder has become a key player for PSV under Peter Bosz, with a contract until 2029. Saibari had an exceptional season, earning the Eredivisie's best player title, with 19 goals and 9 assists across all competitions, contributing significantly to PSV's recent successes, including three national titles. Bayern aims to finalize the transfer before the 2026 World Cup, requiring a substantial investment to secure the player. Meanwhile, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli is also drawing attention in England. Spanish newspaper La Razón reports that several Premier League clubs are closely monitoring the situation of the Real Betis Moroccan winger. The 24-year-old has scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists in 43 matches this season, establishing himself as a key offensive asset for the Andalusian club. Aston Villa, qualified for the next Champions League under Unai Emery, is reportedly interested. Newcastle United appears to be the most active suitor, looking to strengthen its offense to compensate for a potential departure of Anthony Gordon to FC Barcelona. Ezzalzouli, under contract with Real Betis until 2029, will not be easy to acquire. Spanish press indicates Real Betis has set his asking price at a mini
The International Finance Corporation IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, plans to support Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts' expansion in Morocco with up to $200 million in financing. This funding will back a $350 million investment program focused on acquiring, renovating, and greening hotel assets. Pickalbatros, founded in 1992 by Egyptian businessman Kamel Abou-Ali, operates over 35 hotels and resorts, with 28 in Egypt and 7 in Morocco. The financing package includes a $160 million A loan from the IFC and a $40 million B loan from partner lenders, with the remaining $150 million covered by the Group's equity. Investments will target projects in Marrakech, Agadir, and Casablanca, allocating $125 million for two hotel acquisitions, $105 million for renovation and modernization of new assets, and $65 million for upgrading existing hotels. An additional $55 million will refinance local medium-term debt. The initiative also aims for environmental performance, improving energy and water efficiency in hotels. Beyond financing, the IFC will assist Pickalbatros in developing a comprehensive Sustainability Framework and obtaining environmental certifications. The IFC expects this operation to benefit the Moroccan economy through job creation, increased local procurement, and enhanced links with other sectors, while also accelerating green and blue tourism finance in Morocco. This long-term financing, potentially up to ten years, addresses a shortage of long-term resour
Must ReadThe 2026 World Cup will feature significant regulatory changes aimed at speeding up gameplay and ensuring fairer competition. A new five-second rule will be implemented for certain restarts, requiring teams to quickly execute throw-ins and goal kicks. Failure to comply will result in immediate penalties, such as possession being awarded to the opponent for a late throw-in or a delayed goal kick becoming a corner for the opposing team. This measure seeks to combat time-wasting tactics. Player substitutions will also be streamlined, with replaced players required to exit the field within ten seconds. If this deadline is not met, the substitute will face a delayed entry into the game. Additionally, players receiving on-field treatment for injuries must temporarily leave the field after play resumes to reduce repeated interruptions and discourage simulations. The Video Assistant Referee VAR system will have expanded powers, including intervening in cases of second yellow cards leading to expulsion when a clear error is identified, and correcting identity errors if the wrong player is sanctioned. A new "anti-blocking law," inspired by basketball, will also be introduced to penalize illegal obstructions during set pieces, allowing VAR to disallow a goal if an illegal block prevented a defender from intervening before the restart. These reforms aim to modernize officiating and promote a more dynamic style of football at the 2026 World Cup, which will serve as a testing ground for th