The Moroccan Public Prosecution Office Highlights Its Vital Role in Enhancing Security for Major Sporting Events
On Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026, in Rabat, Mr. Hicham Belahouel, the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation and President of the Public Prosecution, participated in a scientific forum organized by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, under the title:
“Security of Major Sporting Events: Security and Legal Challenges in the Era of Digital Transformation.”
In his speech, Mr. Belahouel praised the importance of this meeting, emphasizing that major sporting events, particularly the Africa Cup of Nations, represent an opportunity for Morocco to showcase its organizational and security capabilities ahead of hosting major international events in the future, including the 2030 World Cup.
The Attorney General pointed out that these sporting events are not merely competitions but spaces for promoting noble human values and supporting sustainable development. They also contribute to the growth of the “sports economy” through the social and economic dimensions they create. He added that international human rights bodies closely monitor these events to ensure the promotion of values of tolerance and equality while combating discrimination and hatred, which has led FIFA to integrate a human rights approach into the obligations imposed on host countries.
Mr. Belahouel stressed that the success of any sporting event primarily depends on ensuring security and safety within sporting venues, highlighting the phenomenon of violence in stadiums as one of the greatest security challenges threatening the safety of spectators, participants, and public order. He recalled the royal directives from His Majesty King Mohammed VI in this regard, reaffirming the national commitment to combat these phenomena.
The Attorney General confirmed Morocco’s commitment to international efforts to safeguard sports from criminal practices, noting the country’s ratification of significant international agreements, such as the European Convention on Spectator Violence and Misbehavior, the International Convention Against Doping, and the Macolin Convention on the prevention of manipulation in sports competitions, with Morocco being the only African country to join.
On a national level, Mr. Belahouel highlighted the comprehensive legislative framework that Morocco has adopted to organize and protect sports practice, including Law No. 30.09 related to physical education and sports, and Law No. 09.09 criminalizing violence during matches or in connection to them. He clarified that the Public Prosecution has prioritized combating hooliganism and sports violence by issuing guidance circulars to activate penal provisions and requesting deterrent rulings, including bans from attending matches, while ensuring the implementation of these rulings in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Mr. Belahouel concluded his remarks by commending the experience of establishing judicial offices within stadiums, which have enabled immediate intervention to address violations and reduce judicial time and financial costs, all while respecting fair trial conditions. He confirmed that this experience represents a pioneering model that can be developed in the future to enhance the security of sporting venues and protect public order.
