As Morocco hosts the 7th edition of the FIFCO World Corporate Champions Cup for the first time in Africa, the kingdom is strengthening its position as a growing sports hub, not only on the continent but also globally, with Fes emerging as a key city in the international sports circuit.
Running from October 23 to 26, the tournament is giving the city a chance to showcase its facilities, hospitality, and growing experience in hosting international events.
“Fes is a big city with infrastructure and monuments, and for us it’s important to give Fes this opportunity to host this international tournament,” said Otmane Benhlima, President of the Local Organizing Committee of the FIFCO World Corporate Champions Cup, to DJOGDJA NEWSEnglish.
The event is set to give a noticeable boost to the Fes-Meknes region’s economy and tourism.
Over 1,500 hotel nights have already been booked for participating delegations, said Bebhlima, with four transport agencies handling logistics and transfers, and around 3,000 meals planned throughout the tournament.
40 local staff are involved in organizing the event, while cultural tours and sightseeing programs have been arranged for international visitors.
The tournament also engages local businesses, hotels, restaurants, artisans, and institutions, while creating opportunities for B2B meetings between Moroccan and international companies.
“We are doing our best to make Morocco a hub for this sport,” he stressed, noting that they have been working with FIFCO for more than two years to host this edition, which finally won the vote of the country’s members.
Even with the games being played under the hot and sunny weather, participants were enjoying their time.
Adam Turton, CEO of Elite Group representing England at FIFCO, said the weather was very hot compared to England, where it rains a lot, so it took some getting used to.
“But so far, so good. We’re really enjoying it, and all the Moroccan people have been very welcoming. We’ve been exposed to Moroccan culture, and the guys really enjoyed it. The facilities, the food, the hospitality, the people. It’s really impressive,” he said.
Barron, captain and manager of the Mastercard team representing the USA, said Morocco is a beautiful country, and the team was looking forward to coming and making their mark again at FIFCO.
He added that “Morocco’s hosting capacity has been excellent so far, with the culture and hospitality really nice.”
President of the International Federation of Corporate Football (FIFCO), Albert Zbil,y emphasized that Morocco was always on their list of destinations, always in the top three, noting that it’s possible to hold another edition in Morocco.
He stressed that “coming back here, with the good food, strong sun, and smiling faces…why not?”
The tournament is taking place at the Maracana Sports Complex in Fes, bringing together over 15 companies from five continents, including Morocco, the United States, Brazil, Oman, Nigeria, Switzerland, Scotland, India, Mali, Ireland, Gabon, Wales, England, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, France, and Cape Verde.
The competition features both 25+ and 35+ categories, with two matches being played simultaneously.
The event is held for the first time in Africa, following previous editions in Montréal (2018), Monaco (2019), Dubai (2021, 2022), Abu Dhabi (2023), and Crete (2024).
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