Rabat – Morocco’s head of government Aziz Akhannouch oversaw the opening of the National Football Museum today, according to a report from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Attending the inauguration ceremony were Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication; Chakib Benmoussa, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports; and Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Other officials in attendance included Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation; and Mehdi Qotbi, President of the National Museums Foundation.
The ceremony was also attended by former Moroccan international players, past winners of the Ballon d’Or for the best players in Africa, namely Mohamed Timoumi in 1985, Badou Ezzaki in 1986, Mustapha Hadji (1998), as well as other former players and current sports officials.
The opening of this football masterpiece is part of the enlightened vision of King Mohammed VI to preserve and value the Kingdom’s rich football heritage, said the FRMF statement.
Located on the ground floor of the FRMF’s new headquarters in Sale, this museum is a treasure trove for football lovers, containing the memories and victories that have defined the national football scene.
“I think everyone agrees that the objective behind creating this football museum is to preserve the football heritage,” Lekjaa told the press during the inauguration ceremony, stressing that the young generation will be allowed to visit this museum and learn about the history and accomplishments.
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Former footballer Aziz Bouderbala also stated that what drew his attention in the museum are “a number of pictures that take us many years back, several cups that mark the national football, and documentaries beneficial for the rising generation.”
The museum, whose construction began in March 2021, contains a permanent exhibition space of 1,350 square meters, a temporary exhibition space of 310 square meters, an exhibition hall with 42 seats, a VIP room, a documentation room, and other facilities.
The permanent exhibition space provides visitors with a thorough understanding of the rich history and pivotal moments of Moroccan football through six themes. These include the “Enlightened Royal Vision” which presents a unique perspective set by the three monarchs who headed the nation following the passing of King Mohammed V and gave Moroccans a unique platform for expressing themselves via football.
The “Land of the Pioneers” theme, which also unveils the world of national football idols and personalities, honors Morocco’s early, remarkable successes. Meanwhile, the “Land of Excellence” theme explores the outstanding accomplishments of national teams and clubs from the 1950s to the present.
