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Sanctions against Morocco: CAF Commits to Implement CAS Decisions

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CAF

Cairo - The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said Sunday in Cairo that it has taken note of the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the case brought before it by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), underlining its commitment to implement the decision.

"CAF, which joined the authority of the jurisdiction of the CAS, has committed to implementing the decisions and will comply with this ruling", the CAF said in a statement.

Last Thursday, the CAS said that it has canceled CAF sanctions against the Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF) over request to postpone the 2015 African Cup of Nations (CAN 2015).

"The sanctions imposed by the CAF on the FRMF have been set aside, with the exception of the fine, which is however reduced to USD 50,000," CAS said in a statement.

The Lausanne-based body, involved in resolving legal disputes in the field of sport, said that "CAS Panel has upheld the FRMF appeal in a large proportion."

The disqualification of the Moroccan team from the CAN 2015 is final, it said, noting that the "question related to the compensation of the possible damage caused by the FRMF to the CAF may still be examined by another jurisdiction."

Morocco had asked for postponing CAN 2015, scheduled Jan. 17 to Feb. 8, 2015, over Ebola threats, which resulted in the CAF executive committee suspending the Moroccan football team from CAN 2017 and CAN 2019 and fining the FRMF one million dollars in addition to 8,050,000 euros as compensation for damage.

The post Sanctions against Morocco: CAF Commits to Implement CAS Decisions appeared first on Morocco World News.


Marathon des Sables: Moroccan El Morabiti Leads the Race

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Rachid-El-Morabity

Rabat - Moroccan Rachid El Morabity, winner of the Marathon des Sables in 2011 and 2014, won the second stage of the 30th edition of the Marathon des Sables, on Monday between Oued Tijekht and Jebel El Otfal in Errachidia province.

He finished the race in 2h 32min 23sec and outpaced his teammate Abdelkader El Mouaziz (2h 35min 18sec) by nearly three minutes and Jordanian Salameh Al Aqra (2h 37min 05sec).

“I am very happy to have been able to open up my lead, especially in relation to Salameh. Today’s stage was very tough, but I tried to manage my race well as far as CP2 before upping the pace,” El Morabity said as quoted by the official website of the marathon.

“Rachid is lighter and got up to the summit quicker than us”, said Abdelkader El Mouaziz before admitting that he, too, was “very satisfied” with this second day.

Rachid El Morabity finished the first stage of 36.2 km kilometres in 2 hours 52min 50sec, followed by his fellow athlete Abdelkader El Mouaziz (2h 53min 05sec) and the Jordanian Salameh El Aqrah (2h 55min 58sec) comes in the third place.

Among women, Swedish Elisabet Barnes, victorious in yesterday’s leg, once again finished a few seconds ahead of American Elizabeth Howard.

Dubbed the toughest footrace on Earth, the second stage set off on Tuesday at 08:30 GMT between the Zireg jebel some 36.7km away.

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Tunisian Faouzi Benzarti New Coach of Raja of Casablanca

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King Mohammed cVI ongratulates Raja of Casablanca's coach Faouzi Benzerti

Rabat - Raja Casablanca President Mohammed Boudrika has announced on Tuesday that Tunisian coach, Faouzi Benzarti, will make a return to the Casablanca-based team, reports say.

Benzarti will replace current coach Jose Romao who is set to leave the Green Castle by the end of the season due to poor performance in recent matches.

Boudrika made the announcement during his participation at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Congress in Cairo, Egypt.

Benzarti took charge of Raja Casablanca in December 2013. He led the team to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup during the same year.

Raja Casablanca currently occupies the eight place on the Moroccan top flight table with 33 points, 12 points behind city rivals and Moroccan league leaders Wydad Athletic Club.

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Raja’s President Denies Reaching an Agreement With Faouzi Benzarti

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Rabat - Raja Casablanca President Mohammed Boudrika denied news reports that his team had reached an agreement with Tunisian coach, Faouzi Benzarti, to lead the Casablanca-based team next season.

Boudrika told the team's official website that news suggesting Faouzi Benzarti will make a return to the Green Castle by the end of the season is 'groundless'.

He added that disseminating such news at this particular moment aims at disturbing the team, which is gearing up for an important game against city rivals Wydad Athletic Club on Saturday.

On April 7th, numerous local media outlets reported that Faouzi Benzarti will replace Raja Casablanca's current coach Jose Romao by the end of the season.

Benzarti took charge of Raja Casablanca in December 2013. He led the team to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup during the same year.

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Gabon to Host 2017 African Cup of Nations

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Aissa Hayato, President of the African Football Federation (CAF)

Rabat- The African Football Confederation (CAF) designated on Wednesday in Cairo Gabon as host of the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

The announcement was made by CAF President Issa Hayatou ollowing votes by the CAF Executive Committee.

The West African country beat Ghana and Algeria, who were also candidate to host the 31th edition of the continental tournament.

With this designation, Gabon will host the CAN for the second time in less than 8 years after it co-hosted it in 2012 with Equatorial Guinea.

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CAN 2017 Qualifiers: Morocco With Libya, Cap Verde, Sao Tome

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Atlas Lions, Morocco

Rabat - After winning its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Morocco was included in the draw for 2017 qualifiers conducted by the Confederation of African Football on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt.

Morocco was placed in Group F, alongside Cape Verde, Libya and Sao Tome.

Morocco had been banned from taking part in the next two tournaments of the African Cup of Nations, but was allowed to take part in the tournament’s qualifiers after winning an appeal to the CAS.

Morocco's head coach Badou Ezzaki expressed his delight regarding the draw. “I did not expect games of this type,” he told sports website Koora.

The winners of the 13 groups will book their tickets at the 2017 tournament in addition to the two best-placed runners-up.

Gabon has been named on Wednesday the hosts of the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

The 2012 co-hosts won hosting rights by beating rival bids from Algeria and Ghana.

Gabon will replace original hosts Libya who withdrew from staging the African showpiece due to security reasons.

The post CAN 2017 Qualifiers: Morocco With Libya, Cap Verde, Sao Tome appeared first on Morocco World News.

Morocco’s Benatia Absent for Two to Four Weeks Due to Injury

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Morocco international Mehdi Benatia

Rabat - Morocco international and Bayern Munich central defender Mehdi Benatia will be absent for a month due to a hamstring injury.

It is now confirmed that the 27-year-old will miss both legs of his team's quarter-final against FC Porto. The former AS Roma defender limped out of his team's penalty win against Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday.

"Following medical tests I am out for two to four weeks," Benatia tweeted on Thursday. "I'm disappointed, but it is an occupational hazard."

Benatia's injury adds to Bayern Munich's injury woes as many of the team's key players are sidelined due to injuries. The list includes Bastian Schweinsteiger, David Alaba, Javi Martinez and reserve keeper Tom Starke.

The Morocco international has made 10 appearances for the Bavarians thus far this season since completing a move from Italian side AS Roma in the summer of 2014.

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Agadir Hosts the Green International Marathon on April 26

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Agadir

Rabat - The city of Agadir is to host the third edition of its Green International Marathon on Sunday April 26th.

Dubbed the first green Marathon in Morocco and Africa, this year's edition of Agadir's Marathon will be held under the slogan "We run for the environment."

Organizers said the slogan's choice stems from the city's commitments to preserve the environment and to sustain green spaces. They are projecting 5,000 participants for this year's edition.

Abdel wahed Rahal, chairman of the Agadir City Marathon organizing committee, said that the day of the Marathon will be a Car-Free Day. "The initiative aims at raising awareness of the importance of reducing the emission of polluting gases," he said.

The organizing committee said a first race of 21 kilometers (half marathon) is expected to see the participation of runners from Morocco, Kenya and Ethiopia. A second race of 7 kilometers will be open to the public, including Moroccan and foreign tourists.

A Marathon village will also be established to register participants in the Marathon. It will be accessible from Monday April 20th until the day of the Marathon.

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Morocco Defeats China in World Series of Boxing

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Rabat - Team Moroccan Atlas Lions defeated China Dragons in week 12 of the World Series of Boxing (WSB) in Casablanca on Friday. It is the third successive victory for the Moroccan franchise in the campaign.

Mohammed Rabii (69 kg) enjoyed his sixth consecutive win over China's Liu Wei. Rabii has maintained his points advantage over Ireland's Steven Donnelly and is now level on points with top ranked Radzhab Buatev, according to World Series Boxing official website.

His teammate Achrab Kharroubi secured his fourth win of the campaign against Chang Yong at flyweight (52kg). Lightweight (60kg) Hamza Rabii enjoyed his first WSB win over Lei Wang, while Dutch-Moroccan Light heavyweight (81 kg) Peter Mullenberg secured his second consecutive win as he dominated Aolin Zhang.

Abouhamada Abdeljalil made it 5-0 for the Morocco Atlas Lions in the last fight of the night when he edged a split decision verdict over Haipeng Mu.

Morocco Atlas Lions' next fixture is against Algeria Desert Hawks next week, while China Dragons host Mexico Guerros.

photo credit: World Series Boxing

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Poland’s Tomasz Marczynski Wins 2015 Morocco’s Cycling Tour

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Poland’s Tomasz Marczynski wins 2015 Morocco's cycling tour

Casablanca - Poland’s Tomasz Tomasz won on Sunday the 28th edition of Morocco’s cycling tour (Tour du Maroc).

Marczynski won the race after finishing first in three legs between Settat and Marrakech, Khenifra and Fez and Nador and AL Hoceima.

The previous edition was won by Frence’s Julien Loubet.

Mohamed El Gourch was the only Moroccan to win the Tour du Maroc in 1960, 1964 and 1965.

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Moroccan Football Player Nabil Oumghar Dies

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nabil oumghar

Rabat - Moroccan football player Nabil Oumghar has died on Monday morning after almost two months of being in coma from a car accident.

The player of Chabab Rif Al Hoceima (CRA), 27, was taken to hospital last February following a car crash accident near the northern city of Al Hoceima.

He was initially hospitalized at Mohammed V Hospital in Al Hoceima before being transported by helicopter to another hospital. He succumbed to head injuries in a Casablanca clinic this morning.

On February 5th, Oumghar was riding a 4*4 Peugeot thirty kilometers from the city of Al Hoceima when the crash happened. He is reported to have hit a tree with full force.

The post Moroccan Football Player Nabil Oumghar Dies appeared first on Morocco World News.

Blind Man Completes Morocco’s ‘Marathon des Sables’

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Blind Dave Heeley

Rabat - A blind man, known as "Blind Dave", has accomplished the tough challenge of the Moroccan 'Marathon des Sables,' becoming the first blind athlete to complete this Marathon.

Dave Heeley, from West Bromwich in UK, who has ran seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, accepted the challenge in order to raise funds for the Albion Foundation.

The father of three managed to raise over £20,000 (about $ 29813) for the charity.

He said the Marathon des Sables, which is ranked by the Discovery Channel, as the toughest footrace on earth, was the "biggest thing" he had ever done.

"It's the adventure of a lifetime," he said.

“It has just been a horrible adventure in respect of how gruelling it has been, but at the same time an absolutely fantastic adventure,” Dave added.

The Sahara Marathon is a 250-kilometer race, with about 1500 participants, from 16 to 79 years old, and from all over the world, participating as individuals and teams.

[video id="iQo4CPE9O-s" type="youtube"]

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Moroccan Real Madrid Fans Unveil Spectacular Tifo in Bernabeu Stadium

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Moroccan-based Real Madrid Fans Unveil Spectacular Tifo in Bernabeu Stadium

Rabat - The association of Moroccan fans of Real Madrid, known as Pena Casa Madridista, delighted the 80,000 Madrid fans who were present at the Santiago Benrebeu stadium on Saturday.

The Moroccan association who traveled to Madrid to attend the match that pitted Real Madrid against Malaga, unveiled a spectacular Tifo in the Bernabeu stadium as their favorite team entered the pitch.

The Tifo conveyed a message of peace and union between Morocco and Spain through a handshake with the logo of the Spanish club in the background.

Real Madrid fans reserved a standing ovation to the Tifo. The initiative, which was hailed by Real Madrid official website, was taken in coordination with Real Madrid fan clubs in Spain and the direction of the club.

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FIFA Accused of Asking for Bribe to Support Egypt’s Bid for 2010 World Cup

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fifa

Rabat - Former president of the Egyptian football association Youssef Harb al-Dahchouri said former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner had asked for $7 million bribe in exchange for supporting Egypt's bid to host the 2010 World Cup.

Speaking on the "With Shoubir" show on Sada Al Balad TV, al-Dahchouri said Jack Warner from Trinidad and Tobago, who also held the office of President of CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association of Football), asked for bribes in exchange for CONCACAF votes during the 2010 World Cup bidding process.

He added that FIFA vice-president's request to pay financial incentives was rejected by the political establishment ruling Egypt at the time.

Five African nations placed bids to host the 2010 World Cup: Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and a joint bid from Libya and Tunisia. The winning bid was announced by FIFA president Sepp Blatter on media 15 May 2004.

South Africa was awarded the right to host the tournament after receiving 14 votes, while Morocco received 10 votes and Egypt no votes.

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Morocco’s Nacer Benabdeljalil Hoists Moroccan Flag in North Pole

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Nacer Abdeljalil Prays for Moroccans on Mount Everest

Rabat- Moroccan adventurer Nacer Benabdeljalil has achieved the tremendous feat of reaching the North Pole and raising the Moroccan flag.

Upon reaching his destination along with a team of three Australians, Benabdeljalil posted a message on his Facebook page where he expressed his happiness and pride to have achieved this goal.

The expedition to the North Pole took more than a week during which the team had to ski 200 km.

Nacer Benabdeljalil in the North Pole

In an interview with Radio Atlantic, the Moroccan adventurer said that his team had had to swim several times in order to reach its destination, as the ice had melted in several areas of the North Pole due to climate change.

“It’s a great satisfaction for me and I hope for all Moroccans. With strong will and perseverance, everything is possible. I hope it is a message to all Moroccans who dream about any project, whether it is an adventure or something else,” Benabdeljalil said.
The adventurer also paid tribute to the Moroccan population who live in the remote areas of Moroccan’s mountainous regions.

“If I dedicate this achievement to anyone today, I should dedicate it to the Moroccan population who live during much of the year in the conditions we have gone through for a week.

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Pep Guardiola Rips His Trousers after Victory against Porto

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guardiola

Rabat - Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola rips his left trouser leg of his grey garment during the European match between Bayern Munich and Porto in Germany.

After his team scored five first-half goals against Porto, Pep Guardiola was dancing enough to make a long tear in the left leg of his expensive suit.

Pep Guardiola rips

After the incident, the underwear of the Spanish coach was shown to public.

The happiness of a 6-1 win against Porto was enough to keep Guardiola smiling despite his torn pants.

Pep Guardiola

After the Champions League clash, the Spanish coach joked: “I'll have to buy new ones for the next match.”

[video id="et_flLm1LLk" type="youtube"]

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Morocco’s El Amin Chentouf Wins London Paralympic Marathon

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Morocco’s El Amin Chentouf Wins London Paralympic Marathon

London - Morocco’s El Amin Chentouf on Sunday won the Men's Visually Impaired race during the London Paralympic Marathon with a world record time of 2:21:33.

Spanish Alberto Suarez Laso crossed the finish line second in a time of 2h 21min 47 sec, followed by his countryman Abderrahman Ait Khamouch with a time of 2 hours 26 min. 54

El Amine Chentouf had won the London Paralympic marathon in 2014 with a time of 2h 25min 07s.

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David Beckham to Celebrate His 40th Birthday in Morocco

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David Beckham to Celebrate his 40th Birthday in Morocco

Rabat - Former Real Madrid and Manchester Unitd player, David Beckham will reportedly celebrate his 40th birthday in Marrakech, Morocco’s major tourist hub, according to British media.

"He'll only turn 40 once so he wants to do it in style. Morocco is a place close to his heart" a source close to the Beckham family was quoted by the Sun as saying.

According to the same source, the British star will be accompanied by his family members, as well as his close friends.

American actor, Tom Cruise, and Gordan Ramsey are believed to be among his guests.

Beckham, who will turn 40 on May 2, is believed to celebrate his party in the luxury Amanjena resort, on the outskirts of Marrakech.

In recent years, Marrakech has become one of the favorite destinations for world stars. According to a ranking published by the famous French Magazine Gala in April 2014, the “Red City” figured among the world’s most visited destinations.

Gala listed the imperial city next to other fabulous places favored by world celebrities, such as Rio de Janeiro and Barbados.

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Morocco Wins World Cup of Five-a-side Football, Futsal

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Morocco Wins World Cup of Five-a-side Football, Futsal

Rabat- Morocco beat Spain on penalties over the weekend in the United Arab Emirates to claim the World Cup of the five-a-side football, known as futsal.

The Moroccan national team sealed a 4-3 penalty shootout win after the game's official time ended with both teams having scored a goal against each other.

The Spanish team was the first to open the score after only 22 seconds through Adrian Jimeno. Morocco equalized in the second half thanks to a goal by Sami Hamdani.

"These are the tears of happiness I was emotional and felt so happy to have the title," Abdelhadi Zaitoun, Morocco's player-coach was quoted as saying. "I was very calm taking the penalty, but if I didn’t score I would have gone crazy.”

"The feeling of winning is indescribable,” he said. "I’m the coach. I was not supposed to be playing but I had to give up the playing conditions. It was fantastic to be with the players."

"They are like my children. They’ve been with me for the best of last 10 years or so and this team has real guts."

On their way to the final, Morocco beat Colombia in the quarter finals 1-0 and defending champions Denmark 1-0 in the semifinal phase.

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Malaga to Pay Buy-out Clause to Keep Morocco’s Nordin Amrabat

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Nordin Amrabat

Rabat- Morocco international Nordin Amrabat will reportedly stay at his current club Malaga. The 28-year-old plays for the Spanish side on loan from Turkey's Galatasaray.

According to media reports, Malaga have agreed to pay the 3.5 million euros buy-out clause for Nordin Amrabat.

Galatasaray signed Amrabat from Kayserispor for 8 million Euros in 2012 and he still has two years left on his contract.

West Ham and West Brom are also reported to be interested in the Moroccan player.

Malaga are currently seventh in La Liga on 46 points after 32 games in the Spanish top flight.

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