Assahafa.com
The Complexe Mohammed V in Casablanca will officially close on Wednesday to allow for works ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, the organizing committee and local authorities announced.
This will affect the availability of the stadium for upcoming Botola matches, some of which will have to be rescheduled or relocated.
As host nation for CAN 2025 (December 2025 to January 2026), Morocco is upgrading its stadiums to meet CAF and FIFA requirements. The Complexe Mohammed V has already undergone renovations and the upcoming works will focus on pitch replacement and infrastructure (security and media facilities).
The Ligue nationale de football professionnel (LNFP) reported through a press release that the match Raja Casablanca versus Kawkab de Marrakech, which counts for the eighth day of the Botola Pro INWI, had been moved based on the stadium closure.
Works, impact, and preparations
The national sports-equipment agency SONARGES confirmed that the operation will involve replacing the grass with a rye-grass hybrid better suited for winter. The process will take around six weeks. Resident clubs Raja CA and Wydad AC will have to relocate or reschedule some matches and Stade Larbi Zaouli will be used as an alternative venue.
Club officials have expressed their willingness to cooperate but are asking for clear scheduling and security measures for the fans. The Casablanca municipal council assured that the closure will be managed to minimize the impact on the domestic league and to have the stadium ready for CAN.
Insiders say the goal is to have a stadium surface and infrastructure that meets CAF/FIFA standards (pitch, access control, press facilities). The six-week window is to allow for a durable and compliant setup before the tournament.
The reopening date will be communicated once the works are done.
Source: Morocco word news
