Hotel employee arrested in Morocco over alleged theft from WAFCON players

Moroccan police have arrested a hotel employee in Casablanca on suspicion of stealing money from players representing an African national team competing at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The suspect was detained by officers from the judicial police unit in Casablanca’s Anfa district after several players reported money missing from their hotel rooms during the continental tournament.

Police said investigations and field inquiries led officers to identify the suspect as an employee at the hotel where the team was staying. A search later resulted in the recovery of 10,000 Moroccan dirhams, which investigators believe is the total amount allegedly stolen.

Authorities said the suspect had converted the stolen money from US dollars into Moroccan currency before being taken into custody.

Investigation continues

The hotel employee remains in police custody while a judicial investigation, supervised by the competent public prosecutor’s office, continues.

Investigators are seeking to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged thefts and determine any criminal offences that may have been committed.

Team’s identity not officially confirmed

Moroccan police did not identify either the hotel or the national team involved in the case.

However, Nigerian media previously reported that members of the Super Falcons had complained about cash disappearing from their rooms while staying at a hotel in Casablanca ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo alleged on social media that $700 had been taken from her wallet, while other players also reportedly discovered money missing from their rooms.

The team’s media officer later confirmed that the matter had been reported to Moroccan authorities, who subsequently opened an investigation.

Despite those reports, the police statement did not confirm whether the arrest was linked to the complaints involving the Nigerian squad, meaning the identity of the affected team remains officially undisclosed.

Tournament continues

The incident comes as Morocco hosts the expanded 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which began on 26 July and runs until 16 August.

The arrested hotel employee remains a suspect and has not been convicted of any offence. Prosecutors will determine the next legal steps after reviewing the findings of the police investigation.