The start of Morocco’s top two professional football divisions has been pushed back to 11 September to accommodate the country’s involvement in the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The National Professional League confirmed the delay on Friday after a meeting between league president Abdelssalam Belkchour and representatives of all professional clubs.
The decision applies to both the Botola Pro first and second divisions, shifting the original start date to allow teams to have their full squads available when the competition begins.
According to the league’s official statement, the move was prompted by the large number of domestic-based players currently representing Morocco in CHAN, a tournament reserved for players active in their home leagues.
Officials said the postponement was intended to uphold the principle of “equal opportunities” between clubs, ensuring no side is disadvantaged by the absence of key squad members during the opening fixtures.
“The postponement is designed to give every club the best possible chance to compete from the outset, with all players available in optimal competitive conditions,” the statement read.
Morocco’s CHAN campaign is already under way, with the national side set to play its second group match against Kenya on Sunday.
The tournament, a showcase for local talent across the continent, has drawn heavily from the Botola’s player pool, leaving many clubs temporarily depleted.
The delay in the domestic calendar is expected to provide coaches with additional preparation time and the opportunity to integrate returning international players seamlessly once CHAN concludes. It also avoids the scenario of certain teams beginning their league campaigns without some of their most influential performers.
This is not the first time Morocco’s league schedule has been adjusted to accommodate major continental tournaments. The Botola has historically coordinated its calendar around competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations and CHAN, particularly when a significant proportion of its players are called up to the national squad.
Clubs are now expected to revise their pre-season training plans in light of the new start date. While the later kick-off shortens the time available for the season to be completed, the league is confident the adjustment will not compromise the overall fixture schedule.
For players involved in CHAN, the extended break from domestic action could prove beneficial, allowing them to recover from international duty before rejoining club commitments.
For those not selected, the gap presents an opportunity for further conditioning and tactical preparation.
The decision also underlines the importance the Moroccan football authorities place on CHAN as a platform for developing home-based players. By prioritising the tournament, the league has demonstrated a willingness to adjust its own operations in support of the national team’s objectives.
With the Botola now set to launch in mid-September, the focus in the coming weeks will remain firmly on Morocco’s CHAN campaign. Success in the continental competition could see many of the league’s stars return with enhanced confidence and experience — potentially raising the level of play when the domestic season finally gets underway.
