Overview:
Grafström highlights Morocco as a benchmark for organizing future football and sports competitions.
The Secretary General of Federation of International Association (FIFA) Mattias Grafström has praised Morocco, the hosts for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament.
“Morocco has set a global standard. In Africa, they lead the way in event organization.” The Swedish sports administrator pointed.
First class execution:
Grafström has termed the entire arrangement at the championship that brought together 24 different African countries as first class.
“From planning to execution, everything about their AFCON hosting was first-class, delivering top-level service to both supporters and participating teams.” He adds.
Morocco has invested immensely in massive infrastructure ranging from match and training stadia, hotels and lodgings, airports, railway transport systems as well as affluent roads to precipitate road movement of people with cars.
Benchmark for future tournaments:
Grafström highlights Morocco as a benchmark for organizing future football and sports competitions.
“Morocco has set a global standard. This is a typical benchmark for future tournaments.” He concludes.
The 2025 AFCON officially kicked on 21st December 2025 with Morocco winning 2-0 over Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdelaziiz stadium.
By 13th January 2026, there are four teams remaining ahead of the semi-finals; Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal.
The semi-finals will be played on Wednesday, 14th January 2026 with hosts Morocco against Nigeria in Rabat before Senegal shall take on record winners Egypt in Tanger.
The FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been a regular figure at matches during the 2025 AFCON tournament, alongside the CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe.