Morocco has inaugurated judicial offices inside stadiums hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as part of the Kingdom’s preparations to stage major continental sporting events.
In a statement, the Ministry of Justice said the launch of these on-site judicial offices at match venues—most notably the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat—forms part of a new institutional mechanism aimed at managing cases that may be brought before the public prosecution in connection with offenses occurring during matches.
The ministry explained that the initiative seeks to establish a modern and efficient approach to handling legal cases within sports venues. It enables public prosecutors, in coordination with security services and relevant authorities, to intervene immediately in potential incidents, ensuring swift decision-making while fully respecting individual rights and fair trial guarantees.
According to the same source, the measure is also designed to help maintain order and security inside stadiums and to ease pressure on regular courts during major sporting events.
In this context, Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi said the move reflects the state’s determination to ensure a strong and responsible presence of justice during major sporting competitions.
Ouahbi stressed that the establishment of judicial offices in AFCON stadiums demonstrates a clear vision that Morocco can successfully combine high-quality sporting entertainment with strict respect for the rule of law.
“We want a justice system that is close to citizens, swift in its decisions, yet fully committed to safeguarding rights and freedoms,” the minister said. “This is a reform step as much as it is a message of reassurance to the public that stadiums are spaces for enjoyment, safety, and responsibility.”
The ministry concluded that this measure reaffirms Morocco’s commitment to developing an advanced model for managing legal issues related to sports venues, strengthening trust in institutions and reinforcing the country’s image as a capable host of major international events in line with legal standards and international norms.
