‘This oxygen is spreading’ – inside Morocco’s mission to become a powerhouse
News
“Morocco have the potential to be a powerhouse of world football.”
It is a bold statement, but Welshman Neil Ward has witnessed the country’s passion and plans first hand.
After serving as chief executive at the Football Association of Wales Trust, Ward left his homeland to take up a role as director of technical operations at the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) in 2020.
Details
He was in Rabat when Morocco became the first ever African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals a couple of years later.
Ward saw how “it took over all the city right through until the early hours of the morning, with the king out celebrating as well”.
The Atlas Lions were knocked out by France, but they are now bidding to make history once more as they face Les Bleus again on Thursday (21:00 BST) for a place in the last four.
Analysis
Whatever happens at Boston Stadium, it does not feel like the co-hosts of the next World Cup in 2030 are finished yet.
Another Briton, Simon Jennings, knows that better than most.
As well as delivering the Uefa Pro Licence and A-licence as a coaching educator, he was responsible for youth development across Morocco between 2020 and 2024.
Stay informed with the latest news on Wararka.so — your trusted source for Somalia and world news.
