Morocco moves to create regional companies to manage World Cup stadiums

Morocco moves to create regional companies to manage World Cup stadiums
Sunday 2 November 2025 - 18:10

Morocco is moving ahead with plans to establish regional companies to manage sports facilities ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

According to sources cited by Hespress AR, five of the six Moroccan regions designated to host World Cup matches have begun preparing plans to create management companies for local stadiums and sports complexes.

The Rabat–Salé–Kénitra region was the first to approve such a move during its October council meeting, paving the way for others to follow. The new company’s headquarters will be based at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

The regional council also ratified the company’s partnership agreement and legal framework. Similar initiatives are expected soon in other host regions as Morocco accelerates preparations for one of the biggest sporting events in its history.

Sources said the new approach marks the start of a gradual transition away from SONARGES, the state-owned company that currently manages many of Morocco’s major sports venues.

The Tangier–Tétouan–Al Hoceima region is expected to be next, with plans to create its own company to oversee the Grand Stadium of Tangier and other facilities in the area.

However, the move comes amid quiet controversy in Tangier over SONARGES’ handling of the stadium’s renovation project. Local figures have privately accused the company of mismanaging or selling leftover construction materials—such as iron beams and roof components from the old structure—under what they described as “suspicious” conditions.

The materials are reportedly worth millions of dirhams. SONARGES officials have denied any wrongdoing, saying all transactions were carried out legally and documented in two separate sales.

Observers suggest the accusations may be linked to internal rivalries among individuals seeking leadership roles in the upcoming regional management company.

The future role of SONARGES in Tangier remains unclear as regional authorities move toward a decentralized management model for stadiums and sports facilities.

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