Latest from Morocco World
Morocco World
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
PSG vs Botafogo: When, How to Watch FIFA Club World Cup Match
Rabat — Paris Saint-Germain will face Botafogo as part of the FIFA Club World Cup today at 2 a.m. Moroccan time. PSG had a good start during the US competition following a 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid. Botafogo also started its Club World Cup campaign strong with a 2-1 win over Seattle Sounders. Fans seeking to watch the game can do so at DAZN. Predictions from the Opta Supercomputer expect PSG to be 'very heavy favorites' to win the game . Possible lineups for PSG will include Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Beraldo, Marquinhos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Fabian Ruiz, Gocalo Ramox, Lucas Hernandez, and Joao Neves, alongside Naoufel El Hannas, among others. For Botafogo, expectations show that head coach Renato Paiva could deploy Mateo Ponte, Danilo Barbosa, Artur, Alvaro Montoro, Rwan Cruz, Jefferson Savarino, Marcal, Santiago Rodriguez, Leo Linck, Allan, Gregore, Newton, Kaio Pantaleao, Jair Cunha, Gonzalo Mastriani, Cristhian Loor, and David Ricardo, among others. Tomorrow's FIFA Club World Cup fixtures also include a match between Flamengo and Chelsea, as well as Benfica vs Auckland City, and LAFC vs ES Tunis. Tags: Barca versus PSGPSG and Chelsea
Morocco World
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Government Council Approves Creation of National Child Protection Agency
Rabat – The Government Council approved on Thursday Draft Law No. 29.24 establishing the National Agency for Child Protection, along with child protection centers and social care institutions dedicated to children. The draft was presented by Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi. According to a statement from the Ministry in charge of Relations with Parliament, the new agency reflects the importance Morocco places on child protection in both its legislative framework and national institutions. The initiative aligns with the special attention that King Mohammed VI dedicates to children as part of the country's broad reform agenda. The draft law continues Morocco's legislative and institutional reforms in the field of child protection. It aims to address various legal and practical challenges, such as gaps in legislation concerning child protection centers. It also seeks to better respond to the specific needs of different categories of children. The bill outlines the establishment of a financially independent public entity with legal personality, responsible for implementing state policies in child protection and promoting children's rights. In the same context, children from across Morocco gathered in Rabat for a national consultation held on June 13–14. Organized by the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) with support from UNICEF Morocco, the event concluded a year-long series of consultations held in all 12 regions of the country. Children used the platform to express their views and called for stronger protection of their rights. In their appeal, children stressed their right to participate in all matters that concern them. They asked for their voices to be heard regularly, not just during special events, and for laws to guarantee their right to take part in decisions that affect their lives.
Morocco World
11 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Maroc Telecom Unifies Governance Structure to Boost Strategic Agility
Rabat – Maroc Telecom has officially transitioned to a unified governance model, replacing its previous dual structure with a streamlined Board of Directors, as approved during the company's Extraordinary General Assembly on June 18, 2025. The move, announced following a board meeting held on Thursday, is aimed at enhancing decision-making efficiency and aligning with the company 's accelerated strategic development goals. The change marks the end of the dual governance framework composed of a Supervisory Board and Executive Board, now merged into a single governing body. All former members of the supervisory board have been retained as board members, ensuring leadership continuity and a smooth transition in the group's strategic oversight. Mohamed Benchaâboun has been confirmed as the new CEO of Maroc Telecom, a role he previously held as Chairman of the Executive Board. His leadership comes at a time of major transformation for the telecommunications giant, which continues to expand its digital footprint and invest in innovation across Morocco and its African subsidiaries. Earlier this year, in February, Benchaâboun was appointed to lead the group following the end of Abdeslam Ahizoune's 27-year tenure at the head of Maroc Telecom. The appointment, backed by Finance Minister Nadia Fettah and the supervisory board, is effective until March 1, 2027. This governance shift reflects Maroc Telecom's ongoing commitment to transparency, performance, and value creation for its shareholders, partners, and customers, as it adapts to a rapidly evolving telecom landscape. Tags: benchaaboun profileIAMMaroc Telecom
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Ranks 10th in EU Asylum Requests with Over 25,000 Applications
Marrakech – Morocco recorded 25,347 asylum applications in European Union member states and associated countries in 2024, positioning it among the top ten countries of origin for asylum seekers. This represents an 18% decrease compared to the previous year, according to the annual report from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). The North African country placed tenth on the list, behind Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Colombia, Turkiye, Bangladesh, Peru, Ukraine, and Egypt. Despite the overall decline, Moroccan applicants maintain an important presence across several EU member states. In Slovenia, Moroccan nationals accounted for 63% of all asylum seekers registered in 2024. Bulgaria reported that 7.1% of its asylum applications came from Moroccans, making it the third most represented nationality. Slovakia and Ireland also noted considerable numbers of requests from Moroccan citizens. The EUAA report states that countries like Italy rejected a particularly high number of applications from Moroccan nationals. Ireland has officially added Morocco to its national list of 'safe countries of origin,' subjecting applications to expedited review processes. The report documented an increase in first-instance decisions rendered for Moroccan asylum applications, with 16,000 decisions issued during 2024. This puts Morocco among several countries experiencing growth in asylum case processing, alongside Turkey, Venezuela, Georgia, Russia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, and Ukraine. Switzerland has implemented a nationwide 24-hour administrative procedure specifically targeting applicants from Maghreb countries, including Morocco. This approach aims to quickly process cases deemed manifestly unfounded by Swiss authorities. Additionally, information-gathering missions on country of origin (COI) were conducted in Morocco by Belgium's Documentation Centre on Countries of Origin (CEDOCA). These missions seek to provide European asylum services with precise, contextualized documentation for evaluating applications. The report also mentions Morocco's inclusion in geographical action plans developed by the European Commission, particularly those focused on Mediterranean and Atlantic migration routes. These orientations include strengthened technical cooperation with Maghreb countries on flow management, combating human trafficking networks, and cross-border coordination. In April, the European Commission officially included Morocco on its first-ever list of 'safe countries of origin,' alongside Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, and Tunisia. This proposal, which requires approval from the European Parliament and EU member states, would create the first harmonized EU-wide list of safe countries. Several EU nations already maintain their own national safe country lists. France includes approximately ten countries, while Italy's more extensive list encompasses 19 nations. European officials suggest these disparate national approaches currently encourage asylum seekers to target countries with more flexible criteria. For Morocco, inclusion on this list represents recognition of its migration governance efforts. Since 2013, the country has implemented a National Strategy for Immigration and Asylum (SNIA), which included regularizing tens of thousands of sub-Saharan migrants and opening social and educational services to these populations. The EUAA annual report identifies Morocco's structural position as an essential partner in the European Union's migration and asylum policies. In an international context marked by increased vigilance at EU external borders, cooperation with third countries like Morocco has become a pillar of European strategies. Tags: asylum seekers from moroccoAsylum Seekers in EU
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Marks the 55th Birthday of Prince Moulay Rachid
Rabat – On Friday, the Moroccan Royal Family and the Moroccan people will joyfully commemorate the 55th birthday of Prince Moulay Rachid, an occasion that unites the nation in celebration and sincere well wishes for King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and the entire royal family. Born on June 20, 1970, in Rabat, Prince Moulay Rachid pursued his academic path with distinction. In May 1993, he earned a degree in public law with a specialization in internal administration, along with a diploma in comparative law from the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences in Rabat, both with honors. Three years later, in June 1996, he obtained his second graduate degree in international relations with high distinction. On May 18, 2001, he earned a PhD in law from the University of Bordeaux, receiving the highest honors and a special commendation for publication for his dissertation titled 'The Organization of the Islamic Conference: A Study of a Specialized International Institution'. Prince Moulay Rachid has long shown a deep commitment to cultural, social, and sporting life in Morocco. Since April 1997, he has presided over the Royal Moroccan Shooting Federation, and in 2018, he took the helm of the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation. He also leads the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association and the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation. Over the years, he has represented the King at key national and international events and chaired major cultural and sporting ceremonies. Recently, on June 17, he chaired the extraordinary general assembly of the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation. In April, he inaugurated the 30th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair in Rabat and visited the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II in Fez during a traditional ceremony for the royal family's youngest members. Earlier this year, in February, Prince Moulay Rachid presided over a royal dinner at the Chellah archaeological site and later awarded the winners of the Hassan II Golf Trophy and the Lalla Meryem Cup. In December 2024, he represented the King at the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and attended a state dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. In November, he presided over the royal dinner at the official opening of the Marrakech International Film Festival. A few weeks prior, he joined the royal family in welcoming President Macron to Morocco and attended the signing of major bilateral agreements. The celebration of Prince Moulay Rachid's 55th birthday is a moment of national unity and heartfelt allegiance to the monarchy an enduring expression of Morocco's loyalty and shared joy. Tags: BirthdayMoroccan Royal FamilyPrince Moulay Rachid
