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NEWSLETTER MARCH
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APRIL
2004
FEEL THE GAME IN THE MAGIC LAND OF MOROCCO !
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Mhamed Zeghari
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Farida Jirari
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Mr. Blatter: “Morocco boasts a robust bid.” Joseph Blatter, the President of the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), declared that Morocco boasts a very "strong bid" for the organization of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. In a statement to the press after his meeting with His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Mr. Blatter said he was highly honored to have been received by the King. He further declared that His Majesty reassured him that the economic and logistical development achieved in the tourism sector, in the field of communications, along with the construction of sport infrastructure, ports and airports will continue at a high rate, even if Morocco were not to host the World Cup in 2010.
Morocco’s bid for the organization of the 2010 World Cup has created a driving passion among all the Moroccans. Within the Morocco 2010 committee, Mhamed Zeghari is responsible for the “Community Outreach” department, the goal of which is to sustain this passion and enthusiasm. “For Moroccans, football is a religion. Also, their hospitality and keen sense of ‘feast’ are legendary. No wonder, then, that for our fellow Moroccans, hosting the world for a great football celebration is a dream they are firmly set on making a reality,” Mhamed explained. By the way, Mhamed himself is the embodiment of all the Moroccan’s passionate devotion to football. He is one of the founders of “Rouge et Blanc [Red & White],” the fan club of the Wydad Athletic Club, and the first of its kind in Morocco. Today, just like the major European teams fan clubs, “Rouge et Blanc” brings together hundreds of football supporters who meet every Sunday in the stands of Moroccan stadiums. But Mhamed’s pride and joy is his exceptional collection of records and documents on the history of the Moroccan football comprised of several thousands of items: old pictures, period newspapers, audiovisual recordings, etc…. “Sports in general and football in particular, are part and parcel of Morocco’s culture and history. It is indeed our duty to preserve this heritage,” he said. Mhamed is also recognized as an experienced manager. A graduate from ESSEC, one of France’s finest business schools, he worked for several years in a major auditing and consulting firm before returning to Morocco, where he joined the Prime Minister’s office. He also served as a consultant for the World Bank prior to joining Morocco 2010. During his stay in France, Mhamed was a regular spectator of the FIFA 1998 World CupTM. “It was an unparalleled celebration. I am convinced that Morocco, a football-loving nation, can offer the world yet another memorable occasion to celebrate the round ball.”
Inside the Morocco 2010 Team, Farida Jirari manages the “Special Events and Logistics” Department. Overseeing the logistical aspects of the FIFA Inspection Team visit, preparing visits to Morocco by FIFA executive committee members and other international football figures, designing and organizing a lavish promotional event for the Moroccan bid in Lisbon, or managing six Media Tours organized for the members of the international press, are but some of the many situations where Farida has proved equal to the challenge, with flying colors. Farida belongs to the new generation of managers whose dash and drive and competence add new energy to the new Morocco. An MBA-holder and a graduate from the Sofia-Antopolis University of Nice, France, Farida gained solid experience in the organization of special events in and for numerous institutions and corporations before joining Morocco 2010 Team. “The FIFA Techical Visit was undoubtedly the most difficult challenge but at the same time the most exciting that we ever had to address,” says Farida, who adds: “The FIFA inspectors visited more than eight cities in six days. Our schedule was very tight and had to be respected by the minute. We traveled by plane, by car and by helicopter. This visit was a resounding success thanks to the development of an effective logistics concept, despite the existence of several logistics problems; however the excellent infrastructures in Morocco and the mobilization of all Moroccans allowed us to solve them all. Besides, it was also essential for us that the FIFA inspectors have a taste of the magic and the spell of Morocco.” This determination to reconcile meticulous organization with the spell of Morocco reflects Farida’s the unmistakable style. “We want the events that we organize to be a foretaste of what the World Cup will be in Morocco: a perfectly staged competition with the additional touch of soul, heart and magic,” she says.
Mr. Blatter wished "good luck" to Morocco, which he added has a "very robust bid." He also said he was greatly honored by the award he received together with his accompanying delegation from His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Mr. Blatter furthermore recalled the efforts made by FIFA to enable Africa to host its first football FIFA World CupTM, and added that the organization of this world-famous event in Africa is "a victory for the whole continent."
The annoucement of the host country for the 2010 FIFA World CupTM will be made public on the 15th of May during a meeting of the 24 voting members of thh executive committee of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland. Mr. Blatter, in the Kingdom for a two-day visit, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Football Training and Skills Development Technical Center at the Maâmora forest site.
Scolari Supports Morocco 2010
Figo: “I would prefer the 2010 World Cup to be held in Morocco” In an interview to “Ainawi”, the Emirates sporting magazine, Luis Figo the Real Madrid player, stated that he “would prefer to see the 2010 World Cup held in Morocco”. Figo further stated that Morocco and South Africa offered him to commit more actively in their respective bidding committees, adding that he preferred to abstain for agenda reasons. “As you may know, given our activities as professional football players, we don’t have much time left to fully enjoy of our families”. Figo has also highlighted the importance of the geographical proximity in events of this magnitude, including its impact on the performance of the players: “During the last World Cup, we were exhausted by the long flying time.”
Luiz Felipe Scolari, who coached the Brazilian eleven to its fifth title as World Champion in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/JapanTM, has announced that he supports Morocco’s bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup TM . Scolari is currently coaching the national Portuguese squad. On the occasion of his stay in Casablanca and Marrakech, where he visited stadiums and training pitches, Scolari declared to the press that he is convinced that Morocco “boasts all the winning cards to organize a wonderful World Cup.” During his visit to Morocco, Mr. Scolari met the members of Morocco 2010 Committee, along with a group of foreign journalists to whom he announced his support to Morocco’s bid. “I worked for three months in Kuwait and I would be much pleased to see an Arab and Muslim country organizing this competition,” he also told the journalists. “Morocco is a great football nation. Moreover, it is a very beautiful country with very friendly and welcoming people,” Scolari added. “I rest assured that this time the Morocco Bid is going to have a lot of support. Moroccans are ready and well organized, thanks to their ongoing preparatory work for the organization of the World Cup. I am convinced that they will organize a great World Cup.”
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The national squad gets through to Athens
The fourteen banks of Morocco support Morocco 2010
The Lion Cubs of the Atlas have clinched their qualification to the Olympic Games in Athens following their victory over Angola (2-1) on the sixth and last day of the playoffs of the African Zone (Group C).
Morocco’s fourteen banks have announced on 22 January 2004 their decision to commit unanimously in favor of Morocco’s bid for the organization of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM.
For Morocco, the victory would have been adequate only if the Ethiopians were to lose in Kampala. And this was just the case. In the second match of the Group, the Ugandans disrupted the calculations of the Ethiopians (2-1). The outcome was therefore favorable to Madih’s promising young athletes, who will attend the Olympic Games next summer in Athens.
This important decision, which speaks loudly of the enthusiasm and support of the Moroccan business community for the Bid, is the culmination of a meeting that Mr. Saad Kettani, the President of Morocco 2010, had with the board members of Groupement Professionnel des Banques du Maroc (GPBM).
This is the seventh time the Lion Cubs of the Atlas have qualified for the Olympic Games, including Tokyo (1964), Mexico (1968), Munich (1972), Los Angeles (1984), Barcelona (1992) and Sydney (2000).
Morocco liberalizes its air space M. Karim Ghallab, Morocco’s Ministry of Equipment and Transportation, on 25 February 2004 announced, “Morocco has completely liberalized air transport in order to achieve its ambitious objectives focusing on the development of tourism.” Since February 12th, foreign airlines, in particular the lowcost variety, are authorized to organize regularly scheduled flights to Morocco, departing from any international airport. This liberalization will allow Morocco to reach its objectives centering on the development of tourism in the framework of “Vision 2010,” as established in January 2001. Morocco is striving to reach the goal of receiving 10 million tourists in 2010, and by that date to bring the total number of hotel facilities to 250,000 beds in duly classified hotels. The forecast of the Ministry of Equipment and Transport contemplates an increase in passenger traffic of 300% by 2010, thereby reaching 16.5 million travelers. The number of flight to or from Morocco will increase twofold, reaching a weekly frequency of 1300 fights. This drive toward liberalization goes hand in hand with exceptional incentive measures: “If an airline inaugurates a new regular line to Morocco, it will be eligible for exclusivity on that line for one year and also able to benefit from significant reductions on airport tax,” Mr. Ghellab explained. The opening up of Morocco’s air space to competition is yet another illustration of the extraordinary convergence between the long term development objectives of the country and the requirements specific to the organization of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM.
After having listened with keen interest to a presentation given by Mr. Kettani on the inroads made by the Moroccan Bid, the GPBM board members unanimously declared their all-out support for the efforts made by Morocco 2010 and resolved to grant it a financial support of 10,000,000 DH (1 million Euros). The Moroccan banks have also highlighted the fact that holding the 2010 FIFA World CupTM in Morocco will have extremely positive economic impact on the country’s development as a whole. In point of fact, an economic impact assessment study made by Morocco 2010 showed that this World Cup will generate an impact in excess of 4 billion Euros over the 2004 – 2011 period, as well as creating more than 300,000 permanent jobs.
I N F R A S T R U C T U R E S
T r a n s p o r t It is ver y easy to get to Morocco
Compact competition scheme
Thanks to its exceptional geographical situation, Morocco is easy to get to from any given point in the world. It sits at the center of the world.
The 8 cities involved in Morocco 2010 will be divided into 4 units of two cities each, according to principles of geographical proximity. During the first phase of the tournament, almost all the matches of a given group will be played within the same unit. Therefore travel times and distances required by journalists and supporters will be very limited. Between two cities of a given unit, the travel time needed will never be more than a 40-minute flight and also be very easy to accomplish by car, bus or train.
Air Transport Upwards of seven million travelers passed through one of Morocco’s 12 international airports in 2003. In 2010, this figure will jump to over 16 million, thanks to the liberalization of the aviation industry in Morocco, which is enabling transport agents to inaugurate new air line routes. The air network will jump from 560 weekly international flights (Summer 2003) to approximately 1,300 in 2010. Ports and ferries By means of the ferries linking Europe’s main ports to Morocco’s Northern cities, supporters from all over Europe will be able to travel by automobile to attend the FIFA™ World Cup in Morocco. The proximity of Morocco to Europe makes ferries a practical means of transport used each year by three million travelers and more than 600,000 vehicles.
Fast moving and secure travel inside Morocco An efficient transport infrastructure and compact competition scheme will make it possible to optimize travel during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
Highways/Motorways Morocco has an excellent highway/motorway network which is developing very quickly and is permanently maintained to offer an excellent level of service and security. Since 1997, the number of kilometers in the motorway network has grown more than twofold and will double again by 2010, reaching a total of 1,130 kilometers and connecting all the cities involved in the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. Rail network During the 2010 FIFA World CupTM, visitors to Morocco will be able to travel between the different cities by air; however, many are expected to opt for the Moroccan rail network. It connects all the participating cities except Agadir. Given the short distances, it will be easy for supporters to travel to attend a match and return to their place of residence in the same day in optimum comfort in modern railway cars. They will also be eligible to benefit from a specially priced rail ticket, made available exclusively for the 2010 FIFA World CupTM .
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M a r r a k e c h At the foot of the Atlas mountains, protected by impressive ramparts yet renowned as extremely friendly, the mythical city of Marrakech is a pleasure for the eyes and a genuine symphony of colors: the deep blue of the sky, the white of the everlasting snows of the Atlas, the ochre color of the fortifications and the earth, the deep green of the orange trees, and the red of the roses …
Stade de Marrakech
If Morocco is chosen for the 2010 FIFA World CupTM, Marrakech will host the FIFA Congress, the members of the FIFA Executive Committee, the referees and the FIFA General Secretariat. It will also be the venue of the Opening Ceremony and Match, as well as a semi-final. Could one ever image a more beautiful and yet incredibly convenient capital for the FIFA World CupTM? In 1064, the Almoravide Sultan Youssef Ibn Tachfin founded the city of Marrakech and made it the capital of an empire extending over the major part of the Maghreb and the Iberian Peninsula.
T h e c o n s t r u c t i o n w o r k o n t h e Ta n g i e r stadium is moving along at a quick pace
With the conquest by the Almoravides of Southern Spain, Marrakech embraced the exquisite Andalusian culture. Marrakech became a stronghold of Islamic civilization and a cultural center where the learnedphilosophers of the time joined together. The power of the Almoravides also turned Marrakech into a major commercial venue. The city knew increasing prosperity and its architecture blossomed.
To expand its sports infrastructure, which already counts 3 stadiums capable of hosting FIFA World CupTM events, Morocco launched the construction of three new stadiums in 2003 in Agadir, Marrakech, and Tangier. The construction work on the Tangier stadium began on 15 September. Two shifts work independently on the consolidation of the foundations in the South and West zones. The heavy rains in November and December hampered only slightly the work being carried out.
When the Merinides managed to capture the city in 1269 and chose Fez for their capital, Marrakech entered into a slow process of decline. Marrakech recovered its brilliance and even experienced a golden age under the Saadians, who once again made it Morocco’s capital in 1551. Sultan Mohammed Al Mahdi restored the city and built a large number of sumptuous buildings, including the Badii Palace, considered one of the marvels of its time.
The concrete has been poured for the foundations and construction continues at a steady pace. From September 2003 to March 2004, more than 8,500 tons of concrete have been poured. So the structures of the stadium are emerging.
Thanks to its wonderfully preserved medina (old town), its unique climate—born from the merging of desert, the mountains and the ocean conditions— its countless and magnificent gardens, its famous luxury hotels and its lively and exhilarating night life, Marrakech has become one of the most extraordinary tourist attractions of Morocco and certainly of the entire world.
Marrakech in figures Population
988 000
Altitude above sea level (m)
468
Average monthly temperature (C°)
June July
24 28
Number of rainy days with rainfall of more than 5mm
June July
1 0
Number of beds in registered hotels
Today 2010
Total number of beds available in Fez by 2010
23 245 36 425 44 300
Construction works have already started for the building of the new Marrakech stadium. Foundation and excavation works are completed, and actual construction started in September 2003. As part of the main structure works, the lower level of the South stands is finished and that of the West Stands is about to be completed. With a gross capacity of 70,000 seats and an Englishstyle design, the Marrakech Stadium will be the ideal location for the Opening Match and one of the two semi finals.
By the end of the work, scheduled for completion in 2007, the stadium will offer a gross capacity of 69,000 seats. It will host one of the two semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM World Cup, just a one-hour ferry trip from Europe.
Fact Sheet Name
Stade de Tanger
Gross capacity
69,000
VIP seats
500
Gross capacity
70,000
Media positions
2,750
Work started
September 2003
Seats for disabled persons
100
Work ended
June 2007
Pitch dimensions
Length: 105m – Width: 68m
Distance from airport
14 km
Type of pitch
Natural grass lawn
Distance from airport
4 km
Distance from city centre
10 km
Distance from city centre
7 km
Facts and figures 984,000 cubic meters of mass earthwork 74,600 cubic meters of concrete 7,000 tons of steel concrete 10,300 square meters of metal roofing 9 crane positions in total
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History of Moroccan Football
Football firsts of Morocco
1983-1998: Global Achievement
First African Country to apply to host the FIFA World CupTM
The Moroccan team renewed itself in the late 1970’s to meet the challenges of increasing professionalism in football and, in 1986, shocked the world in the FIFA World CupTM in Mexico. By winning its group, which included England, Poland (semifinalist in 1982) and Portugal (1984 European Championship semifinalist), Morocco became the first African country to qualify for the second round. Only a great free kick from Lothar Matthaus at the 87th minute spoiled Morocco’s bid to upset Germany in the elimination round. Once again, Morocco had forged the way for the great African teams that would follow, among them Nigeria, Cameroon and Senegal.
Ever faithful to its reputation as an African pioneer, Morocco was the first African country to apply for the honor of organizing the FIFA World CupTM. As early as 1988, Morocco applied for candidacy for the organization of the 1994 World Cup. Morocco lost by one vote in favor of the United States.
That 1986 performance placed Morocco among the world’s football powers. Since then, Morocco has regularly taken part in major continental and international competitions, including the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World CupsTM. Unfortunately, a tremendous 3-0 victory against Scotland in 1998 still left Morocco just short of the second round when Brazil unexpectedly lost to Norway. Nevertheless, Morocco’s bright, spirited fair play drew appreciation from football fans ever ywhere.
However, Morocco showed that it was committed to organizing the FIFA World CupTM as it again presented its candidacy for 1998 and 2006. Morocco’s steadfastness was not to be in vainas Morocco helped to establish the principle of rotation between continents for the organization of the FIFA World Cup T M .
Cameroun won the 1988 Cup of African Nations in Casablanca
Another Moroccan achieved a notable “football first” in the 1998 FIFA World Cup FranceTM. Moroccan Said Belquola turned in an outstanding performance as the first African and Arab referee of a FIFA World Cup TM Championship Match. Poland - Morocco, 1986 Brazil - Morocco, 1998
Said Belquola
Morocco 1998