FIFA introduces new rules for 2026 World Cup to accelerate play and enhance fairness
via Le Matin2 min read
The 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
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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
Thailand is set to significantly revise its entry regulations for foreign travelers. On May 19, 2026, the Thai Cabinet approved reforms to its visa exemption and visa-on-arrival schemes. This reform includes the elimination of the 60-day visa exemption previously granted to 93 countries and territories. This change is particularly relevant for Moroccan travelers, as Morocco was among the countries benefiting from the 60-day visa exemption, which allowed Moroccan nationals to enter Thailand without applying for a visa in advance. The new framework proposed by Thai authorities outlines several categories: a 30-day visa exemption for 54 countries and territories, a 15-day exemption for three countries and territories, and visa-on-arrival for four countries and territories. Morocco is not listed among the countries included in these new regimes, suggesting that Moroccans may no longer qualify for visa-free stays under the new system. The measure has not yet taken effect. Thai authorities state that final details and criteria will be published in the Royal Gazette, and the new rules will become effective 15 days after publication. The Royal Thai Embassy in Rabat clarified that Moroccans already in Thailand under current visa exemption schemes can remain until their authorized stay expires. The same applies to those planning to travel to Thailand before June 7, 2026. Beyond this date, the embassy strongly advises Moroccan travelers to apply for a visa before departure via the offic
Must ReadThe World Meteorological Organization WMO estimates an 80% probability of an El Niño episode occurring between June and August 2026, with a 90% chance it will continue until at least November. While the maximum intensity remains uncertain, most models predict at least a moderate, if not strong, episode. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that "science is clear: El Niño is at our doorstep with 90% certainty," calling it an "urgent climate warning" that will "fuel the fire of a warming world." He urged strengthened climate action, including phasing out fossil fuels and deploying early warning systems. Observations show that sea surface temperatures in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific have reached near El Niño thresholds, driven by underwater anomalies exceeding 6°C above average. The Southern Oscillation Index, an atmospheric component of the phenomenon, confirms this trend. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that the world must prepare for a potentially strong episode, which could intensify droughts, extreme rainfall, and heatwaves, noting that the 2023-2024 episode was among the five most intense ever recorded and contributed to global temperature records. The WMO emphasizes that its forecasts, developed with international climate centers and national meteorological services, are essential for governments, humanitarian agencies, and sensitive sectors like agriculture, health, and energy. A complementary seasonal climate update anticipates above-normal