Morocco’s football federation bans foreign club names from private academies

Sunday 09 August 2026 - 16:00

By: Sahili Aya

Morocco’s football federation bans foreign club names from private academies

Morocco’s Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has introduced a new measure preventing private football academies and schools across the country from operating under the names of foreign clubs.

The decision is part of a broader effort by the federation to strengthen Morocco’s domestic football training system and give greater independence to privately run youth development structures.

New framework for private academies

The FRMF said the measure was adopted as it works on a national framework governing the organisation and management of private football academies and schools operating in Morocco.

Under the new policy, academies and schools will not be allowed to use the names of foreign clubs, including establishments that have formal partnerships or other forms of affiliation with those clubs.

The federation announced the decision in a statement published on its official website on Sunday.

Focus on national training structures

The measure reflects the FRMF's broader strategy of strengthening local coaching and player development, while establishing greater autonomy for private football organisations.

Rather than allowing academies to build their identity primarily around foreign clubs, the federation wants youth development structures operating in Morocco to function within a national framework aligned with the country's football strategy.

The objective is also to create a more coherent environment for developing young players and improving the organisation of grassroots and academy football.

Building a more autonomous development system

The FRMF said the policy is linked to studies of national organisational and strategic mechanisms for football development.

The federation aims to ensure that private academies contribute directly to the development of Moroccan football while remaining consistent with national priorities.

The new framework is expected to place greater emphasis on structured training and supervision, with the long-term objective of preparing a new generation of Moroccan players within a more integrated domestic system.

The decision marks another step in Morocco's efforts to strengthen the foundations of its football infrastructure and develop talent through nationally coordinated pathways.