Moroccan Referees Receive FIFA International Badges

A group of Moroccan referees was awarded FIFA international refereeing badges during a ceremony held this Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.

The event, organized by the Central Refereeing Committee and the National Directorate of Referees, under the supervision of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the National Professional Football League, was attended by several key figures, including FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa and League President Abdel-Salam Belkchour.

In his speech, Fouzi Lekjaa emphasized that the advancement of Moroccan football depends on the development of refereeing, which plays a crucial role in the national football ecosystem. He highlighted the need for a constructive and progressive approach to improving refereeing while stressing the importance of ethics and technology in decision-making.

Abdel-Salam Belkchour, on his part, underlined the vital role of refereeing in football development, advocating for greater technical support for referees rather than solely focusing on their mistakes, in order to better promote Moroccan football.

Bouchaib Lahrach, President of the Central Refereeing Committee, stated that Moroccan referees awarded FIFA international badges serve as ambassadors of national refereeing on both continental and global levels, reflecting the high standards of Moroccan officiating. He also emphasized the importance of local competitions in maintaining a high level of refereeing.

Meanwhile, Ridouane Jiyed, Director of the National Directorate of Referees, highlighted the crucial role of training in improving officiating standards, urging referees to remain diligent and committed to continuous improvement.

The ceremony also served as an opportunity to honor retired referees for their long and distinguished careers on both national and international fields.