Rabat: Commending the Kingdom’s key role in developing continental and international football, the expert emphasized in an interview with MAP, on the occasion of the glorious Throne Day, that ‘Morocco has become a powerhouse in Africa and has taken the lead in this area with great skill and talent.’

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Ley emphasized the far-reaching impact of the sporting momentum driven by the Sovereign, which now places the Kingdom among the world’s leading football nations. “This remarkable trajectory is reflected in the resounding performances of Moroccan teams in all categories,” he said, noting that the historic semi-final of the Atlas Lions at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the continental futsal titles, and the achievements of the women’s and youth teams ‘are evidence of a truly profound transformation.’

He said that Moroccan football has experienced an exceptional development during the last ten years, a success that rests, according to him, on a proactive training policy and state-of-the-art infrastructure, such as the Mohammed VI Football Complex. This ambitious policy has fostered the emergence of a golden generation of talent, now playing for Europe’s biggest clubs, he continued, noting that this pool of elite players has naturally strengthened the competitiveness of the national teams, enabling them to shine on the international stage.

This football momentum is not limited to men’s football, but also encompasses women’s football and futsal, the international expert noted, adding that significant resources have been mobilized to build a model for the development of the sector focused on excellence. At the heart of this transformation, he continued, is the Mohammed VI Football Academy, an ‘essential’ structure in the Moroccan training system in that it represents the starting point for a comprehensive strategy.

Through the Mohammed VI Academy, His Majesty the King launched a genuine training strategy that has nurtured exceptional talent, he noted, emphasizing that this institution is ‘recognized not only in Africa, but throughout the world as a model that embodies the success of a system that can now be exported.’ Building on this momentum, he said, the Kingdom is preparing to take a new step forward by hosting major events, including the Men’s African Cup of Nations, the Youth World Championships, and, above all, the 2030 World Cup, organized jointly with Spain and Portugal.

‘Today, Morocco has acquired undeniable know-how, expertise, and sporting momentum,’ as evidenced by the confidence of international bodies, led by FIFA, in the Kingdom’s ability to successfully organize major sporting events, he added.