FIFCO World Corporate Champions Cup kicks off in Fes for first African edition

The 7th edition of the FIFCO World Corporate Champions Cup kicked off Friday afternoon at the Maracana Sports Complex in Fes, marking the tournament’s first edition to be held in Africa.

Organized by Smart Sport Consulting in partnership with the International Federation of Corporate Football (FIFCO), the event, running from October 23 to 26, brings together over 15 companies from five continents to swap their office attire for jerseys and teamwork on the pitch.

Participating countries include Morocco, the United States, Brazil, Oman, Nigeria, Switzerland, Scotland, India, Mali, Ireland, Gabon, Wales, England, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, France, and Cape Verde.

The competition features both 25+ and 35+ categories, as  FIFCO aims to “promote corporate football as a tool for team cohesion, well-being, and organizational performance.”

“The beauty of this championship is to get as many participants from all over the world, different companies, different sectors, to come together in friendship, play some football, and appreciate the Moroccan culture, ”stressed Albert Zbily, President of the International Federation of Corporate Football (FIFCO).

He emphasized, in a statement to Hespress English, that Morocco was always on their list of destinations, always in the top three, noting that “it’s definitely possible to hold another edition in Morocco.”

Zbily revealed that they have already started discussions about doing sectorial championships and maybe even continent-wide ones. “Coming back here, with the good food, strong sun, and smiling faces…why not?”

Otmane Benhlima, President of the Local Organizing Committee of the FIFCO World Corporate Champions Cup, said this edition brings together the largest number of participants so far, with companies representing all five continents.

It welcomed a diverse group of businesses from various sectors, he said, stressing that “the event brings real benefits to the Fès-Meknès region, through tourism revenues.”

“Our goal is to develop corporate sports sustainably, whether in football or other disciplines, and we hope this experience will inspire Moroccan companies to encourage their employees to play sports, and maybe even take part in future international competitions,” Benhlima revealed.

The first day of the event lasted over four hours, hosting two matches simultaneously, separated by a Moroccan tent for spectators.

On one side of the field, Saudi Arabia and Mali were the first teams to take the pitch, entering with their players waving their national flag and cheered on by their delegations.

Across the other side of the tent, England took on India in another equally tense encounter, with England winning 4-1.

Overall, ten official matches were held on the first day, along with one friendly game.

For attendees, the 2025 edition was an opportunity to experience FIFCO’s mission of “building camaraderie, promoting sports within organizations, and fostering well-being through physical activity.”

“The atmosphere is very eclectic and dynamic, with so many cultures playing out, and the hosting capacity is great so far,” said the President of FIFCO.

Steve Brand, head of referees and a former Premier League official for 15 years in England, said Morocco has been “the most welcoming place he’s been to,” adding that “people here are just fantastic.”

He described the atmosphere as electric too, saying the same energy from the opening day has carried through the whole tournament.

The opening ceremony was held toward the end of the day, with all participating countries marching onto the pitch waving their flags.

Brazil’s +25 team, represented by SuperSim, and Morocco’s Ventec Maroc, last year’s winner and World Cup qualifier in Crete, then took the field, marking the official start of the tournament.

The atmosphere was electric, both on and off the pitches, as teammates and supporters cheered and encouraged them throughout the match, which Morocco won 4-1.