Marrakech: National news agencies play a critical role in countering fake news and disinformation, particularly in the lead-up to major global events such as the 2030 FIFA World Cup, panelists said Wednesday in Marrakech.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, speaking at a panel at the 33rd General Assembly of the Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies (AMAN), which runs through Thursday, participants from the media and football sectors underscored the importance of reliable, verified reporting as Morocco, Portugal, and Spain prepare to co-host the 2030 tournament.

Mouad Hajji, General Coordinator of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), said national press agencies must remain ‘vigilant and proactive’ in combating misinformation, especially as false narratives spread rapidly across digital platforms.

Morocco’s national team coach Walid Regragui echoed the concerns, calling the fight against fake news ‘a real challenge’ and stressing the need for sports journalists to adhere to strict ethical standards.

Abdelghani Aouifia, Director of the Western Europe Division at Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), said MAP’s commitment to objectivity, impartiality, and accuracy makes it a central player in Morocco’s media ecosystem. “Against the backdrop of misinformation, MAP’s mission is more essential than ever,’ he said, adding that the agency plans to leverage social media to provide immersive World Cup coverage.

Momar Diongue, Director General of the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), emphasized the role of regional networks like AMAN and the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) in delivering trustworthy news. ‘Reliable information remains vital, especially as we prepare for the 2030 World Cup,’ he said.

Houyam Benhammou, a sports journalist and media consultant, called for investment in training young journalists ahead of the tournament. She said equipping them with the tools to report ethically and accurately is critical as the region prepares for global media attention.

The opening session of the assembly featured remarks from Youth and Culture Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, who also chairs the 2030 World Cup Committee.

The AMAN meeting brings together senior executives from across the Mediterranean media landscape for discussions, partnership agreements, and an awards ceremony honoring excellence in journalism.