The Moroccan government has inked a partnership with state investment arm Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) to fund the refurbishment of six football stadiums and the construction of a new stadium in Benslimane. The agreement is meant to improve the kingdom’s sports infrastructure in preparation for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to a press release by the Head of Government’s office.
The agreement was signed by Chakib Benmoussa, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports and Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate for the Budget and Head of the Moroccan Football Federation, as well as by Khalid Safir, CDG managing director.
The stadiums slated to be revamped are: Ibn Battouta Stadium of Tangier, Mohammed V Complex of Casablanca, Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex of Rabat, Grand Stadium of Agadir, Grand Stadium of Marrakech, and Sports Complex of Fez. The city of Benslimane will get a brand-new stadium.
A budget of around 9.5 billion MAD will be earmarked for the renovations over 2023-2025 period to meet CAF standards. A second funding of 4.5 to 6 billion MAD will be allocated between 2025 and 2028 for the same purpose, abiding by FIFA standards.
The construction of Benslimane’s Stadium is estimated to cost approximately 5 billion MAD between 2025 and 2028.