With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to begin in December, Moroccan top-flight clubs are facing mounting challenges as key stadiums across the country become unavailable due to tournament preparations.
Several major venues, currently undergoing renovation to meet CAF requirements, are expected to remain out of service for domestic football in the months ahead.
Among the affected is the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, which remains closed to local clubs and will not reopen in time for the start of the upcoming Botola season.
Likewise, Marrakech’s Grand Stadium is also expected to remain shut.
For newly promoted Kawkab Marrakech (KACM), the disruption means relocating to the more modest Harti Stadium for their top-flight return.
Maghreb de Fès (MAS) will resume play at the Hassan II Stadium while waiting for the eventual reopening of the Grand Stadium in Fez.
Ittihad Tanger (IRT), too, is likely to continue using the Sports Village Stadium before moving back to Tangier’s larger facility once the continental showpiece concludes.
Complicating the situation further are uncertainties surrounding the availability of Agadir’s Adrar Stadium and Casablanca’s iconic Mohammed V Complex.
The Confederation of African Football mandates that host nations provide access to both competition and training venues several weeks prior to the tournament, adding pressure on clubs that rely on these stadiums for their home fixtures.
This situation has left several Botola teams with limited options and forced into logistical recalibrations as they prepare for a season of displacement.
Alternative venues are being sought, but the lack of clarity around stadium handover dates is causing concern across the league.
Adding to the complications is the looming spectre of further stadium closures in the following season.
With Morocco also preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, additional venue upgrades and infrastructure demands are likely to impact club football again in the near future.
For now, the focus remains on navigating a season marked by uncertainty, as domestic football adjusts to accommodate one of Africa’s biggest tournaments.
While the nation prepares to shine on the continental stage, clubs are left hoping the temporary sacrifices will lead to long-term gains in infrastructure and exposure.
