AGP Executive Report

CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns head into the second leg of the most valuable club clash in Africa against FAR Rabat in Rabat on Sunday, defending a 1-0 lead after Ronwen Williams says last year’s heartbreak taught them how to “grind out results.” Sports & World Cup build-up: Norway named a 26-man World Cup squad led by Haaland and Odegaard, while Morocco’s pre-camp call-ups include Imran Louza and Othmane Maamma, and Watford’s Selvik adds to the overseas contingent. Public safety: Fez’s deadly building collapse rose to 15 dead and 5 injured, as authorities investigate the cause. Infrastructure & trade: Morocco held a high-level meeting on Nador West Med port readiness, aiming for operations before end-2026. Eid Al Adha: Morocco declared an exceptional public holiday on May 29 for Eid Al Adha. Business & logistics: Swissport signed to acquire Swiftair Maroc, pushing deeper into Morocco’s fast-growing air cargo market.

World Cup Focus: Morocco’s World Cup squad is already sending a message of change: Mohamed Ouahbi has left out Youssef En-Nesyri and opted for a more technical, ball-focused approach after Qatar 2022. Legal Storm in France: PSG defender Achraf Hakimi is back in court in Versailles seeking to have a rape case dismissed before any trial proceeds. AFCON Fallout: Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye says the 2025 AFCON title dispute won’t derail preparations for the 2026 World Cup, insisting Senegal still see themselves as champions. Morocco in the News Beyond Football: A deadly building collapse in Fez has killed at least nine, with rescue efforts ongoing. Business & Trade: AfDB approved €200m for skills and employability under “Cap Compétences 2030,” while DP World’s Atlas shipping service keeps pushing Morocco’s fresh-produce exports to Europe. Weather Watch: Western Europe is bracing for an unusually early heatwave, with a “heat dome” linked to warm air moving from Morocco.

World Cup rules, set in motion: FIFA is rolling out new match-day changes for North America 2026, including compulsory three-minute hydration breaks in every game and expanded VAR checks (including corners and second yellows), as squads keep getting confirmed and ticket pricing stays under fire. Morocco in the spotlight: A deadly building collapse in Fez has killed at least 11 (reports also cite higher tolls) with evacuations and an investigation underway, while golf continues to draw international attention as Scott Hend leads the Trophy Hassan II in Rabat. Football updates: Real Madrid granted Vinícius Júnior time off to join Brazil for World Cup duty, and FC Utrecht booked a play-off final after a tense win over Heerenveen. Sports business & travel: Global Hotel Alliance added four brands, including a new push into Rabat, and the Red Sea remains a flashpoint for trade and energy routes.

World Cup Access: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a lottery for 1,000 World Cup tickets at $50 each for residents, with free round-trip bus transport to MetLife Stadium (renamed NYNJ Stadium for the tournament), covering seven matches (five group games plus two knockouts). Morocco in the Spotlight: Morocco’s World Cup preparations also get a boost as Louza and Maamma are called up for a pre-tournament training camp ahead of the May 26 final squad decision. Human Rights: The UN Committee against Torture accuses Morocco of systemic abuse of Sahrawi detainees tied to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, citing torture, coerced confessions and failures to investigate. Infrastructure & Jobs: The AfDB approved a €200m ($235m) loan to Morocco to strengthen vocational training and improve youth and women’s employment. Safety Watch: A building collapse in Fez killed four and injured six, with rescue teams still searching for survivors.

World Cup Countdown: Neymar is named in Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Ancelotti confirming he’s fit enough after a long injury recovery; Brazil open against Morocco on June 13. CAF Champions League Drama: Mamelodi Sundowns finally reach Morocco for the second leg of the final against AS FAR in Rabat after a landing-permit delay derailed their travel plans. Sahara Spotlight: Sahrawi human rights defender Aminatou Haidar arrives in Stockholm to push international awareness of alleged rights violations in Western Sahara. Diplomacy & Trade: Morocco and Bangladesh agree to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, agriculture, skills and multilateral ties after talks in Rabat. Sports in Morocco: The LET’s Lalla Meryem Cup tees off in Rabat this week, while Morocco hosts youth football action including U-17 AFCON qualifiers. Media & Governance: Liberia’s publishers hold their first meeting with a Moroccan foreign ministry media official to explore a peace-focused media partnership.

Human Rights Verdict: The UN Committee against Torture says Morocco violated Sahrawi detainees’ rights linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp, citing a “consistent pattern” of arbitrary arrests, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions used in court. UAE Crackdown: An Abu Dhabi court sentenced an Emirati man to three years and a Dh5 million fine for using social media to incite child marriage in Morocco, ordering video removal and account closures. World Football Overhaul: UEFA unveiled a Champions League-style plan for 2030 World Cup and Euro 2032 qualifying, aiming to cut dead matches and reduce mismatches, with final approval expected in September. Morocco-France Ties: Rabat and Paris said they’re preparing a treaty to deepen cooperation ahead of King Mohammed VI’s upcoming state visit to France. Diplomacy & Peacekeeping: Rabat hosted a Francophone peacekeeping conference, adopting a declaration praising Morocco’s mediation and preventive diplomacy role. AFCON Focus: Gambia’s coach welcomed a tough 2027 qualifying group with Ghana and Ivory Coast, while Morocco also prepares for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup draw with Morocco in Pot 1.

Morocco’s global push: A new Stimson Center report says Morocco has moved beyond being a “buffer” and is now a regional stability and trade player linking Europe and Africa, driven by industrial upgrades, green energy leadership, and tighter security cooperation. Energy pressure at home: Morocco’s diesel reserves cover 48 days and gasoline over 40, the minister told parliament, as authorities brace for summer demand and renewed global energy shocks. CAF Champions League drama: Mamelodi Sundowns’ return-leg plans were hit by a Morocco landing-permit delay, cutting a full day of preparation ahead of the Rabat final. Sahara rights spotlight: CONASADH urged the African Commission to condemn illegal exploitation of Sahrawi natural resources. Sports on the move: Morocco’s U-17s topped their AFCON group after beating Egypt 2-1, setting up a quarter-final vs Cameroon. Gaza aid tensions: The Global Sumud Flotilla’s land convoy faces new restrictions in eastern Libya, with only Libyan/Egyptian nationals allowed to pass.

World Cup Buzz: Scotland named a 26-man squad for the first time since 1998, with Ross Stewart returning after a four-year gap and 19-year-old Findlay Curtis earning a spot, while 43-year-old Craig Gordon makes the cut despite a shoulder injury. Brazil Selection Shock: Chelsea striker João Pedro learned he’s out of Brazil’s World Cup squad hours before being voted Chelsea Player of the Season, as Carlo Ancelotti said the decision considered the grueling European schedule and player specifics. Morocco in the Spotlight: Morocco’s group at the 2026 World Cup is set (with Haiti and Scotland), and Qatar Airways also flagged more Africa flying—adding a daily Marrakesh service from 1 July. Security & Trade: Portugal’s new night-time restrictions on high-speed drug-smuggling boats take effect, while Interpol says “Operation Ramz” arrested 201 people across MENA cybercrime networks. Football Politics: Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF final preparations in Rabat hit a snag after a Morocco landing-permit delay grounded the team for a day.

World Cup Shockwave: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending nearly three years of absence and sparking instant celebration despite lingering fitness doubts. Morocco in the Spotlight: The decision lands as Brazil’s group stage includes Morocco, with the tournament set to run across the US, Canada and Mexico. CAF Champions League Drama: In Rabat-bound tension, Mamelodi Sundowns carry a 1-0 lead over AS FAR after Aubrey Modiba’s strike, but the return leg is still wide open—especially after VAR controversy and crowd violence concerns. Human Rights Focus: Sahrawi defender Aminatou Haidar arrived in Ljubljana to press Western Sahara rights issues at Slovenian institutions. Aviation Reality Check: Africa’s passenger boom is growing fast, but profits remain razor-thin, putting pressure on tourism and hospitality across the region.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Aminatou Haidar told Slovenia’s Parliament that Morocco is violating rights in occupied areas, citing limits on freedoms, pressure on activists, and the plight of Sahrawi political prisoners, while also accusing European partners of enabling resource exploitation. Mine Action Review: An African Union Commission team is visiting the Sahrawi Republic to assess mine-clearance and explosive-remnants work, including contamination levels and priorities for the national program. Cybercrime Crackdown: Interpol says it dismantled online fraud networks across 13 Arab countries in “Rameses,” arresting 201 suspects and identifying nearly 4,000 victims, with Morocco among the participating states. CAF Champions League Focus: Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso urged calm after a VAR malfunction delayed the second half of the final first leg, where Aubrey Modiba’s free-kick secured a 1-0 win over AS FAR. World Cup Build-Up: Ghana’s AFCON 2027 qualifying draw seeds are set for Tuesday, with Morocco potentially facing Ghana in a tough Pot 1/2 mix.

CAF Champions League Drama: Mamelodi Sundowns edged AS FAR 1-0 in the first leg at Loftus, but the night was marred by VAR breakdown and crowd violence, including tear gas and a reported fall from the stands—Aubrey Modiba’s free-kick still giving Sundowns the lead ahead of the Rabat second leg. Morocco’s Global Profile: The Stimson Center again spotlights Morocco as an emerging “strategic middle power,” citing reforms, logistics and energy ambitions, and growing diplomatic weight around the Sahara. World Cup Buzz: Neymar insists he’s fit after a knee-hit comeback, brushing off “nonsense” criticism as Brazil’s squad announcement nears—Morocco is listed among Brazil’s group opponents. Diplomacy & Culture: Morocco’s cultural push abroad continues, with a Morocco-Greece cultural week in Athens featuring crafts and a major conference on May 20. Regional Watch: Ghana’s U-17 Black Starlets suffered a 1-0 loss to Senegal in Morocco, leaving them bottom of Group D after missing key chances.

CAF Champions League Final (1st leg): Mamelodi Sundowns took a big step toward a second title, beating Morocco’s AS FAR 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld thanks to Aubrey Modiba’s stunning 37th-minute free kick, but they’ll rue missed chances as they head to Rabat next Sunday with only a slender lead. Match Drama: VAR malfunction delayed the second half and FAR initially refused to return, while crowd trouble also marred the night. U.S. Military in Morocco: In a separate Morocco-linked story, the U.S. says the remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean, with a second soldier still missing. Regional Diplomacy: UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed held calls with Arab counterparts condemning a drone attack near the Barakah nuclear plant, warning it was a dangerous escalation. Morocco Watch: A fuel-station owners’ group alleges diesel shortages by distributors, saying complaints have been filed after discrepancies of more than 150 liters.

U.S.-Morocco Search Update: The U.S. military says the remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., missing after a cliff fall during African Lion exercises near Tan-Tan, were recovered in the Atlantic Ocean; teams are still searching for the second missing soldier. Business Finance: Abu Dhabi-listed Anan Investment Holding approved a Dh350m share capital increase, offering up to 350m new shares to existing shareholders starting June 1. Morocco Economy Policy: Morocco’s new TPME charter is drawing backlash after critics say it would reach only about 0.02% of businesses, far below the scale of the country’s small-enterprise base. Sports (Morocco-linked): Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says they must handle the CAF Champions League final intelligently as they host AS FAR in the first leg at Loftus. Global Security: Italy’s Modena saw a car-ramming and stabbing incident that injured eight, with authorities investigating motives. Youth Football: Morocco’s U17 side beat Ethiopia 2-1 to move joint top of their AFCON group.

U.S. Search Update: The U.S. military says the remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., missing after a cliff fall during African Lion 26 in Morocco, were recovered in the Atlantic Ocean on May 9; teams are still searching for a second missing soldier. Morocco’s Economy: Bank Al-Maghrib reports the dirham strengthened slightly versus both the euro and the dollar, while reserves edged down. World Cup Boost: FIFA approved France-born midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi to play for Morocco ahead of the 2026 tournament. AI Spotlight: Casablanca is set to host an international AI and future-of-work conference on May 23, aiming to position the city as a regional hub. Tourism Watch: Morocco is seeing a surge in Russian bookings for summer 2026, with reports citing faster growth than key regional rivals.

U.S.-Morocco Search Update: The Atlantic Ocean has yielded the remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, recovered after he and another soldier fell off a cliff during off-duty hiking near Cap Draa during African Lion; a Moroccan team found him May 9, while the U.S. and partners continue searching for the second missing soldier. World Cup Build-Up: Morocco’s World Cup squad gets a boost as Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi switches allegiance to the Atlas Lions after FIFA approval, making him immediately eligible. CAF Champions League Spotlight: Mamelodi Sundowns host AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final today, with Sundowns aiming to bounce back after a league setback. Local Economy Watch: Morocco’s gasoline prices rise by 0.5 dirham per liter, while diesel stays unchanged amid global oil and regional shipping uncertainty. Tech & Football: Google’s Gemini is set to power new digital fan experiences for both Morocco and Iraq’s national teams.

U.S.-Morocco Search Update: The U.S. military says the remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., missing after a cliff fall during African Lion exercises near Cap Draa, were recovered in the Atlantic Ocean; a second soldier is still missing as search teams continue. Health Watch: Spain’s Murcia region confirmed a fourth measles case tied to the Alcantarilla outbreak, with contact tracing ongoing and the original source still unclear. World Cup Build-Up: Teams keep finalising squads for the June 11 kickoff, while hotel bookings in some U.S. host cities are reportedly lagging behind expectations. Morocco in the Mix: Casablanca’s port is facing severe congestion, with dozens of ships waiting offshore and grain shipments hit hardest. Energy Pressure: Morocco plans an extra 20 billion dirhams to cushion households from Middle East-linked energy shocks. CAF Spotlight: Channel 4 secured free UK streaming for the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR.