Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi announced on Monday that Morocco is drafting a law to manage criminal incidents during major international events.

The initiative comes within the legal preparation for upcoming tournaments, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup 2030.

Ouahbi addressed concerns about security measures related to these events.

He said that a large influx of visitors might result in some incidents, such as minor violence or other bigger crimes. 

To handle such cases effectively, the ministry studied legal frameworks in countries that have already hosted similar tournaments and decided to implement specific regulations.  

The new proposed law involves the establishment of special committees at every stadium where the matches will take place.

These committees, led by public prosecutors and supported by security forces and the Royal Gendarmerie, could intervene on the spot in case an offense occurred within the stadium. The idea behind this is to ensure swift and efficient solutions on the spot. 

Another significant measure of the law is that it allows authorities to deport foreign offenders to their respective countries for prosecution, instead of detaining them in Morocco.

Ouahbi explained that the reason for this is to avoid any potential legal and logistical complications that could result from detaining foreigners. This includes the detainee’s health status, which can complicate things at times.

The law applies exclusively to spectators holding valid match tickets.  

On the legal status of players, Ouahbi stated that the ministry is working on a separate framework, which will be presented to parliament once finalised.

Morocco is working hard to make these upcoming major sporting events an enjoyable experience for everyone

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles B were held to a 0-0 draw by Zanzibar in a preparatory friendly match played at the Amaan Stadium on Monday, as part of their build-up to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The match, though goalless, provided a useful test for Coach Eric Chelle’s locally-based squad, offering valuable insights into the team’s tactical cohesion, defensive stability, and areas needing improvement ahead of the continental tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Another friendly match with Zanzibar is expected to hold on Thursday.

The CHAN tournament, which runs from August 2 to 30, is reserved exclusively for players competing in their national domestic leagues, making it a vital platform for showcasing homegrown talent.

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Defending champions Senegal suffered a blow to their African Nations Championship (CHAN) preparations after falling 2-1 to hosts Tanzania in a spirited pre-tournament friendly at Karatu Stadium on Sunday.

The result capped a successful campaign for the Tanzania Taifa Stars, who also edged Uganda 1-0 earlier in the warm-up series, boosting morale ahead of their CHAN 2024 opener.

Senegal, Nigeria’s first opponents in Group C of the tournament, struck early through Mapathe Mbodji, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the eighth minute to nod home a set-piece clearance.

The early lead momentarily stunned the home crowd and appeared to put the champions in control.

But the Tanzanians, buoyed by local support and aggressive wing play, refused to be cowed. Winger Iddi Suleiman emerged as a constant threat down the left flank, troubling the Senegalese defence with pace and precision. Despite six first-half corners and several close calls, the hosts trailed at the break.

The breakthrough came six minutes into the second half when Suleiman’s surging run into the box was illegally halted by Senegal defender Mbaye Ndiaye. Abdul Suleiman calmly converted the resulting penalty to level the score in the 54th minute.

Tanzania maintained their momentum, and just five minutes later, their comeback was complete. Feisal Salum’s clever set-piece delivery found Abdul Suleiman, who laid it off for Ibrahim Abdullah to delicately chip past the onrushing goalkeeper, giving Tanzania a 2-1 lead.

Senegal nearly found an instant response, but Tanzanian substitute goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman made a vital save to deny Libasse Gueye’s strike in the 61st minute, preserving the hosts’ advantage.

The win sends a strong signal from the Taifa Stars ahead of CHAN 2024, where they will compete as co-hosts, while raising questions about the readiness of Senegal, who face Nigeria in their group opener.

Senegal, which also lost 2-1 to Uganda in an earlier friendly, now face mounting pressure as they attempt to defend their CHAN title.

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