馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
Moroccan cafes and restaurants deny World Cup price hikes, denounce beIN Sports decoder deactivations
via Le Matin3 min read
Moroccan cafes and restaurants are preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Due to the time difference, many matches will be played late at night or in the early morning, leading establishments to extend their operating hours. The National Federation of Cafe and Restaurant Owners of Morocco has secured assurances from public authorities, including walis, governors, and local authorities, to create favorable conditions for broadcasting matches. The Federation urges sector professionals to welcome customers and maintain normal operations, while respecting laws, public order, and neighborhood tranquility. The Federation has also refuted rumors circulating online about a concerted five-dirham price increase for customers watching World Cup matches, stating these claims are baseless. They emphasize that pricing policy remains at the discretion of individual establishments, not a collective decision. Additionally, the sector is concerned about beIN Sports' decision to deactivate thousands of decoders used for broadcasting sports channels. The Federation calls this a "sudden" measure causing significant harm to businesses and customers. While respecting broadcasting rights, the Federation argues that the high cost of commercial subscriptions 1,500 to 2,000 dirhams per month forces some establishments to use domestic subscriptions. The Federation urges beIN Sports to suspend these measures, reactivate decoders, and engage in dial
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