International Football
Sports media joins Morocco in mourning victims of earthquake
The international sports press association, AIPS has joined in the mourning of victims of the earthquake that struck Morocco at the weekend.
AIPS President Gianni Merlo, on behalf of AIPS Executive Office and all affiliated sports media professionals, offered his sincere condolences to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco to colleagues Badreddin Idrissi, AIPS Awards jury member and President of the Moroccan Sports Press Association, AIPS EC Member Morad Moutaoukkil and IOC Member and former Olympian Nawal El Moutawakel. He to checked on their well-being, and the wellbeing of all Moroccan sports journalists through the nation’s association president.
“We share in the sorrows of Moroccans and show full solidarity and sympathy. Asking for mercy for the deceased and a speedy recovery for all the injured and afflicted,” AIPS President said, stressing his belief that Morocco is capable of overcoming this ordeal, and offering aid and support to the Moroccan association.
The Moroccan Sports Journalism Association issued a statement thanking all those who offered their condolences to families of victims of the painful earthquake, sharing in the sorrows of Moroccans: from Mohamed Jamil Abdel Qader, Arab Sports Press Federation President, Abdulahi Thiam, President of AIPS Africa, and various national associations, sports federations and media entities.
Sports brought to a halt
All sporting events in Morocco due to be held around the time of the earthquake were cancelled. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced the postponement of Morocco’s national team match against Liberia for the final round of the 2024 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday evening, September 9 at “Adrar Stadium” in Agadir City. The Moroccan Olympic football team’s friendly with Team Brazil scheduled for Monday, September 11 at Fes City has been officially cancelled.
Despite wide opposition to holding a friendly match between Morocco National Football Team against Burkina Faso in France, so as to mourn the victims of Marrakech earthquake. It was decided to be held tomorrow, September 12, at 8:30 pm local time in “Stade Bollaert-Delelis” at Lens City.
A minute of silence
Various Arab sports competitions have dedicated a minute of silence before the start of a match for the victims of the Marrakech earthquake. Media associations, sports federations and National Olympic Committees worldwide have rushed to offer their condolences to their brothers in Morocco.
International Football
Two Moroccan football players lost at sea, says club official
![](https://www.sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Abdellatif-Akhrif.png)
Two Moroccan players from top-flight soccer side Ittihad Tanger have been missing at sea since Saturday after strong currents drifted their small yacht, a club official said on Sunday.
They were in a group of five players from the club who went cruising off the northern city of Tangier when strong currents and heavy winds drifted their yacht away as they were swimming in deep waters, club deputy president Anass Mrabet told Reuters.
“Three players have already been rescued on Saturday, while research is still ongoing for the missing Salman Harraq and Abdellatif Akhrif,” he said.
The players did not have buoys on them when they jumped from the small yacht to swim, he said citing recounts by rescued players.
While Akhrif, 24, is already a full member of the squad, Harraq, 18, was about to move up to the senior team this year, Mrabet added.
Ittihad Tanger have been in the Moroccan top flight since 2015 and won the league title for the first and only time in their history in the 2017-18 season. However, they have struggled in the lower half of the standings in recent years.
-Reuters
International Football
FIFA launches ‘Football Manager’ World Cup with $100,000 in prize money
![](https://www.sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/arsene-wenger.jpg)
FIFA will host its first ever FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager this year to crown the best virtual manager on the highly-popular video game, world soccer’s governing body said on Thursday.
FIFA is partnering with Sports Interactive, the developers of the game that has sold millions of copies and has also been used by several football clubs to scout players and opponents thanks to its extensive database.
Players will compete for $100,000 in prize money in the final event from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
“This competition requires participants to demonstrate a profound understanding of football strategy and tactics,” said former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is the ambassador for the esports event.
“Success demands not only mastery of game mechanics but also in-depth football knowledge, making this format a fascinating blend.”
FIFA said in the inaugural year of the event, selected member associations will be invited to be represented at the final event.
Member associations from all six confederations are expected to be invited while players can sign up on FIFA’s website.
-Reuters
International Football
Former Italy international Roberto Baggio robbed at gunpoint
![](https://www.sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/baggio.jpg)
Former Italy international Roberto Baggio was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint at his home in northern Italy while watching his country’s match against Spain in the Euro 2024 tournament on Thursday, local police said.
Burglars broke into Baggio’s house near Vicenza, hit him on the head with a gun butt and locked him and his family in a room while they stole jewellery, watches and cash, daily Il Corriere della Sera reported. It said he suffered a deep wound.
“Luckily, the violence I suffered only resulted in a few stitches, bruises and a lot of fear. Now it is to overcome the fear,” Baggio was quoted as saying by Italian news agency ANSA.
Baggio, 57, played for clubs including Juventus (JUVE.MI), opens new tab, AC Milan and Inter Milan. He also played 56 times for Italy, scoring 27 goals, and is widely seen as one of his country’s all-time greats.
After the robbery, Baggio, widely known as the “divine ponytail”, was treated at a local hospital where he received stitches for the head wound, Italian media reported.
Italy lost to Spain 1-0 on Thursday and now must avoid defeat by Croatia to guarantee progression in the tournament.
-Reuters
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