Rabat – FIFA President Gianni Infantino greeted King Mohammed VI on Thursday during the official reception marking Morocco’s Throne Day celebrations.
The brief exchange took place as the monarch received senior Moroccan officials, foreign representatives and other invited personalities during events commemorating the 27th anniversary of his accession to the Throne.
Morocco’s official program placed Thursday’s reception at the M’diq-Fnideq Prefecture Square in M’diq.
The ceremonies scheduled at the Royal Palace in Tetouan, including the oath-taking and traditional allegiance ceremonies, are due to take place on Friday, July 31.
Infantino’s presence carried particular sporting significance as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
The FIFA Congress formally appointed the three countries as the tournament’s main hosts in December 2024.
Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each stage one centenary celebration match to mark 100 years since the first World Cup was held in Uruguay.
Morocco and FIFA maintain close cooperation
The encounter came during a period of extensive cooperation between FIFA and Moroccan football authorities.
Morocco has placed football at the center of its sporting-development strategy, investing in stadiums, training facilities and transport infrastructure ahead of the 2030 tournament.
The country’s growing role within international football has also been reinforced through its hosting of major African and FIFA competitions.
Infantino has regularly acknowledged King Mohammed VI’s support for football development in Morocco and across Africa.
During previous visits, the FIFA president credited the monarch’s backing and the work of Moroccan institutions for the country’s progress.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, is also working with its Spanish and Portuguese counterparts on preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
Although the three countries will jointly host the competition, decisions on the match schedule, venues and the stadium selected for the final have not yet been officially announced.
Infantino’s appearance during the Throne Day festivities therefore reflected both the institutional ties between Morocco and FIFA and the Kingdom’s increasingly prominent position in global football.
Throne Day is observed annually on July 30, commemorating King Mohammed VI’s enthronement in 1999.
