Tebas hints at LaLiga match in Morocco as Spain weighs next global move

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has signalled openness to staging a league match in Morocco, marking a potential new chapter in the competition’s overseas expansion strategy as Spain continues to deepen sporting ties with North Africa.

The Spanish top flight chief indicated that Morocco could soon be considered for hosting rights as LaLiga looks beyond Europe in its bid to grow its global footprint.

His remarks come amid renewed discussions over staging regular season fixtures outside Spain, with Morocco emerging as a particularly attractive destination due to its proximity and footballing popularity in the region.

Earlier in the season, LaLiga had pursued plans to stage a fixture at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, as part of its long-standing ambition to bring Spanish football to the United States, with Villarreal versus Barcelona initially selected for relocation.

The proposal received approval from both FIFA and UEFA, but was ultimately withdrawn after significant backlash from supporters, forcing organisers to abandon the controversial switch before it could be implemented.

Speaking this week during an interview with the Arab Press Agency of the Maghreb (via Cadena SER), Tebas opened the door to Morocco hosting a LaLiga match in the future.

“Naturally, given the huge number of supporters of the Spanish League in Morocco, this is still very likely. We also like the idea of holding a match in the new stadium in Casablanca. Who knows? Why not?

“Our expansion in the Middle East and North Africa is extremely important. We have a huge fan base there, it could even be bigger than the Premier League. There is a historical relationship with Spain that is also reflected in football. It is very gratifying to see the recent successes of Moroccan football.”

The comments are likely to generate mixed reactions among supporters, particularly after the earlier attempt to move a LaLiga fixture to Miami triggered widespread criticism from fan groups across Spain, though a potential match in Morocco may be viewed more favourably due to its geographical proximity and cultural ties with the Spanish league.

It remains unclear whether any fixture will be approved in the near future, but the proposal signals LaLiga’s continued intent to expand its global presence under future calendar negotiations ahead planning now.