Robert Ley, vice-president of the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), highlights the significant influence of the Mohammed VI Academy on the global success of Moroccan football. He emphasizes the exceptional quality of the training provided by the academy, describing it as an example for African and global football. In a statement to MAP, Ley notes that the work has significantly elevated the quality of the national team, fostering emulation among coaches and trainers working in harmony.
According to Ley, the Mohammed VI Academy acts as a driving force propelling Moroccan football to increasing prominence by effectively reconciling formative and qualitative aspects. He applauds the projects led by His Majesty the King, making Morocco a model in Africa and globally with its top-notch facilities, stadiums, academy, and infrastructure.
Ley underscores Morocco’s worldwide reputation for the quality of its facilities, training, and teams, citing examples such as national coach Walid Regragui, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, player Achraf Hakimi, and women’s team captain Ghizlane Chebbak, all receiving global distinctions.
Celebrating the performance of the Moroccan team as the first Arab and African team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup, Ley believes that the 4th place in the Qatar World Cup attests to the constant progress of Moroccan football.
He anticipates that this ascent will be confirmed in the current Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where Morocco is considered a contender for the African title. Ley expresses confidence in the future of Moroccan football, highlighting the presence of young Moroccan players in the best world championships.
He concludes by noting the remarkable evolution of women’s football in Morocco in recent years, highlighting the performances of the Lionesses of the Atlas in the World Cups in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.”