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Rabat – Morocco’s intelligence services took part in a closed meeting in Qatar in preparation for the 2022 World Cup.
The closed high-level meeting convened representatives from large intelligence services from across the world to gear up for the global football competition.
Sources told Moroccan news outlet Le360 that Moroccan representatives took part in the meeting, which also brought up security services from the US and France, among others.
“The meeting took place at the National Command Center of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, whose opening match will take place on Sunday, November 20, between the host country and Ecuador,” Le360 reported.
The inclusion of Morocco’s intelligence services came as no surprise. In May, the head of Morocco’s General Directorate for National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST) Abdellatif Hammouchi visited the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar, where the final game of the World Cup will be held.
The visit came after Qatar expressed its interest to benefit from Morocco’s security expertise.
Hammouchi also visited the command post in charge of cybersecurity and held meetings with several Qatari officials to discuss security cooperation during the competition.
Both Qatar and Morocco released a joint statement, vowing to increase security cooperation prior to the 2022 World Cup.
The two countries agreed to ensure an increased level of security during the event.
Morocco’s national team is among the 32 football teams participating in the global tournament, which will kick off on November 20. Qatar, the host country, will play Ecuador in the opening match of the World Cup.
Morocco’s football team matches are scheduled for November 23, November 27, and December 1 with Croatia, Belgium, and Canada, respectively.
