Government dedicates US$ 33 million to upgrade soccer in Morocco

The government will dedicate MAD 280 million (nearly US$ 33 million) to upgrade the Moroccan soccer under a contract-action plan signed Tuesday.

The four-year action plan provides for building new 16 artificial grass pitch stadiums (i.e. 4 stadiums per year), revamping existing stadiums, creating 15 new soccer training centers and reinforcing the judicial arsenal to make of Moroccan clubs sports companies.

The action plan also provides for developing The Moroccan Soccer Federation (FRMF) receipts to reach MAD 119 million in 2009, training soccer referees and officers and developing the amateur, women and indoor soccer.

The FRMF will organize several international competitions notably Hassan II International Cup and the 2010 African Cup of Nations to which the kingdom will submit its bid.

The action plan will be carried out in cooperation between the government, the FRMF and local authorities.