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Participants of the 87th AIPS Congress concluded their activities with an official visit to the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, one of the most advanced football facilities in Africa, followed by a formal dinner held in honor of the international media delegates.
Morad Moutaouakkil, member of the organizing committee and Executive Committee member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), welcomed the attendees and extended thanks to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) for its strong support in hosting the Congress, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI.
Hassan Kharbouch, Director of the Mohammed VI Football Complex, gave a detailed presentation on the 35-hectare facility, which currently hosts 26 national teams. He explained that the Complex offers integrated education and sport programs, with 155 girls from the U13 and U16 categories following school studies in the morning and football training in the afternoon, as part of a broader social integration model.
The Complex features 11 football pitches, five hotels with a combined capacity of 500 beds, and a state-of-the-art 6,000-square-meter medical center. Kharbouch also noted partnerships with FIFA to ensure ongoing training programs for coaches and technical staff. The facility was built with an investment of $65 million, supported by nearly 29 sponsors.
In addition to hosting Morocco’s national teams, the Complex has welcomed major international clubs, including Real Madrid during the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 and Paris Saint-Germain Féminine. A video presentation offered an aerial view of the Complex before delegates began their guided tour.
The visit also included a stop at the on-site football museum, covering 2,100 square meters. The space features a special exhibition dedicated to Morocco’s appearances in the FIFA World Cup from 1970 through 2022.
As a gesture of appreciation, members of the Omani and Argentine delegations presented a commemorative gift to FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, which was received on his behalf by Kharbouch.
The evening concluded with a formal gala dinner hosted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Though President Lekjaa was not present, his invitation was extended as a gesture of appreciation to all participants.
During the event, AIPS President Gianni Merlo delivered a keynote speech, expressing his admiration for the quality of the Complex:
“Somebody asked me what I thought of this facility,” Merlo said. “It is more than excellent—it ranks among the best in the world.”
“Now we can understand why Moroccan football has reached such high levels, including women’s football. It is clear there has been substantial investment,” he continued. “I was speaking with my colleague Coppola, and we agreed that in Italy we have Coverciano, our national football center. But Coverciano is not even one-tenth of this. The difference is extraordinary.”
“Congratulations to the Moroccan Federation. They truly deserve a long round of applause,” Merlo concluded.
The visit and dinner brought the four-day AIPS Congress to a celebratory close, with participants expressing their gratitude for Morocco’s hospitality and the high standard of organization. Many conveyed their thanks to the FRMF and to King Mohammed VI for his sponsorship of the event, which brought together over 100 journalists from around the world.
AIPM Media, Hamza Ait Messaoud - AIPS Young Reporter - Morocco
