Controversy follows opening of Grand Stadium in Tangier

With Morocco’s 2026 elections approaching, concerns over early political maneuvering are surfacing in Tangier after the opening of the city’s new Grand Stadium drew unusually heavy involvement from local politicians.

According to Hespress AR well-placed sources, several parliamentarians, council presidents and local elected officials in the Tangier–Asilah prefecture purchased hundreds of tickets for Friday’s inaugural match between Morocco and Mozambique.

The tickets were then distributed to supporters, intermediaries and residents across various neighborhoods.

Sources familiar with the situation said well-known political figures were “handing out tickets through trusted associates,” describing the move as an early campaign tactic rather than a goodwill gesture.

While some viewed the ticket purchases as symbolic contributions to the success of the high-profile opening, others questioned the timing and scale of the spending.

Several elected officials involved in the effort are reportedly preparing to compete for the five parliamentary seats in the district, a constituency often referred to locally as the “death zone” due to its intense competition.

Some politicians are believed to have spent tens of millions of centimes on tickets for both the Mozambique match and Tuesday’s upcoming game against Uganda.

Sources warned that such practices could shape voting intentions early, especially given football’s popularity and the strong turnout at the stadium despite rainy weather. Whole families attended the opening match, raising concerns that widespread ticket distribution could translate into political influence ahead of next year’s legislative elections.

Authorities have not commented on the claims.