Governing Bodies
Morocco, Cradle of African Liberation Movements
Rabat, 26/05/2023 (MAP) – Morocco’s historic contribution during the reign of the late HM Mohammed V and the late HM Hassan II to the struggle of African countries against colonialism was highlighted on Thursday in Rabat, on the occasion of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the African continent.
The anniversary, which coincided this year with the commemoration of Africa Day (May 25), was an opportunity for participants in a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, to dwell on the unifying role of the late HM Mohammed V during this decisive period, having mobilized the Kingdom’s resources immediately after its independence in 1956 in the service of the liberation movements of brotherly African countries, in an atmosphere of pan-African communion and solidarity.
In a speech on this occasion, Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, stressed that “the founding reign of His Late Majesty Mohammed V – May God have Him in His Holy Mercy – was in phase with the struggles for liberation, in Morocco and in Africa”.
“The late Sovereign – Father of the Nation – also made the Kingdom a land of welcome and rallying for liberation movements and African independence leaders”, he recalled, pointing out that Berkane, in eastern Morocco, was the sanctuary of liberation movements from the farthest reaches of Africa. He recalled that Nelson Mandela, Samora Machel, Agostinho Neto, Amilcar Cabral – among others – had their quarters there.
“Heir and Companion in the struggle of His illustrious Father, the late His Majesty Hassan II – may God rest His soul – has, in turn, spared no effort in the service of the stability and independence of brotherly African countries”, continued the Minister, noting that on several occasions, Moroccan soldiers have fought alongside brotherly African countries, and shed their blood on their soil, in the service of independence and the preservation of territorial integrity.
“The Founding Fathers of Pan-Africanism and African independence, always knew that to move forward, Africa had to know where it came from,” he said, explaining that “this is why Morocco has decided, to pay tribute to this shared history and our common destiny, to finalize one of the most important memorialization projects of the period of African independence, weaving the Ariadne’s thread between History and the Present that links the 54 States of the Continent.”
We believe, in fact, that it is important for Africa to reappropriate its +Narrative+; to enhance its cultural heritage and nurture its collective identity,” he maintained.
“To take part in this, Morocco has set up a series of memorial initiatives designed to ensure that the flame of remembrance of the struggles and common battles for freedom and independence on our continent is never extinguished”, noted Bourita.
Also speaking on the occasion, Mustapha El Ktiri, High Commissioner for former members of the Resistance and Liberation Army, said that history records that, just after independence, the Kingdom implemented the African dimension through the pioneering project to which the late HM King Mohammed V had called, by hosting the Casablanca Conference in January 1961 and creating the Casablanca Group to develop a common African policy, political unity and economic, political and societal integration under the banner of Pan-Africanism.
He stressed that this forward-looking vision of the late HM Mohammed V was based on the historical, commercial, spiritual, cultural and political capital of Morocco’s relations with many African countries that had just gained their independence.
El Ktiri added that the late HM Hassan II continued to support this liberation project by backing African countries in their struggle for independence, recalling that the Kingdom was one of the founding members of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has maintained its positions and principles towards the African continent, he continued, noting that the Sovereign, since His accession to the Throne of His glorious ancestors, has spared no effort in signing conventions and partnerships with African countries, and in establishing solid diplomatic and economic relations.
The ceremony, attended by members of the government and numerous ambassadors from countries accredited to the Kingdom, was marked by the screening of a documentary on “Morocco and liberation movements in Africa”.
Participants in the event also attended the inauguration of the exhibition “Frères d’armes, du combat pour l’Indépendance africaine au serment du co-développement” (Brothers in arms, from the fight for African independence to the oath of co-development), featuring a number of photographs by photographer Mohamed Maradji.
World football governing body, FIFA, today clocks its 122nd anniversary, celebrating more than a century of overseeing and expanding the global game.
Founded on May 21, 1904, in Paris, France, FIFA began with just seven member associations — France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
From that modest beginning, the organisation has grown into the most influential sports governing body in the world, with 211 member associations spread across all continents.
Over the decades, FIFA has transformed football into a truly global phenomenon through competitions such as the FIFA World Cup, Women’s World Cup, Club World Cup, youth tournaments, and developmental programmes aimed at growing the game worldwide.
The organisation has also witnessed remarkable milestones, including the expansion of the men’s World Cup from 13 teams in 1930 to 48 teams beginning from the 2026 edition to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA’s journey has equally reflected football’s growing influence beyond sport, with the game becoming a major tool for diplomacy, social inclusion, youth empowerment, and economic development across the world.
As FIFA celebrates 122 years of existence, attention is now focused on the future of the game, technological innovations, expanded competitions, women’s football growth, and the continued globalisation of football.
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UEFA has issued a lifetime ban to Petr Vlachovsky, a Czech women’s soccer coach who secretly filmed his players, the governing body announced on Tuesday.
Czech media reported that the coach was convicted in May 2025 and initially received a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year domestic coaching ban for filming FC Slovacko’s players in changing rooms, the youngest of whom was 17.
In a statement, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) said it had decided to ban Vlachovsky “from exercising any football-related activity for life” following the appointment of an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate allegations of potential misconduct.
“The CEDB further decided to request FIFA to extend the abovementioned ban on a worldwide level and to order the Football Association of the Czech Republic to revoke Mr Petr Vlachovsky’s coaching licence,” the statement added.
FC Slovacko did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Football players’ union FIFPRO welcomed the ban as well as UEFA’s request for world soccer governing body FIFA to impose an international ban on Vlachovsky.
“This outcome sends a strong and necessary message that abusive and inappropriate behaviour has no place in football and that safeguarding the well-being of players must remain a priority at every level of the game,” FIFPRO added in a statement.
Vlachovsky had also previously served as coach of the Czech women’s Under-19s team.
RELATED STORY: https://sportsvillagesquare.com/2026/04/08/outrage-as-male-coach-who-secretly-filmed-women-players-still-free-to-work-in-football/
-Reuters
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Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship playoff final after being found guilty of spying on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, the English Football League said on Tuesday.
Middlesbrough, who lost 2-1 to Southampton on aggregate in the semi, have been reinstated and will face Hull City on Saturday in what is dubbed the world’s richest soccer match.
Promotion to the Premier League, even with an immediate relegation, is estimated to be worth in the region of 200 million pounds ($268.10 million) over three seasons.
Southampton, who admitted the charges, were also found guilty of filming training sessions involving Oxford United in December and Ipswich Town in April during the regular season.
They have also been deducted four points from the start of next season in England’s second tier.
“An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Championship play-offs after the club admitted multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training,” the EFL said.
“Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match.
“The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 play-offs and will proceed to the play-off final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.”
The EFL confirmed that Southampton could appeal against the decision and that “parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May.
“Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture,” the statement said.
‘BORO CALLED FOR SOUTHAMPTON EXPULSION
Middlesbrough had called for Southampton’s expulsion after having a training session at their Rockliffe Park site filmed 48 hours ahead of the first leg of their playoff semi-final with Southampton which ended 0-0.
The north-east club said they welcomed the decision.
“We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct,” the north Middlesbrough said in a statement.
“As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday.”
Southampton were relegated from the Premier League last season and were struggling in the early part of this campaign until a storming finish in which they went unbeaten in 19 league games to finish fourth and enter the playoffs.
The south-coast club are the first to fall foul of the Football League’s regulation 127 — brought in after Leeds United were found guilty of spying on Derby County seven years ago, an offence for which they were fined 200,000 pounds.
-Reuters
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