The CAF Awards will no longer be held in Marrakech. According to Morocco World News report, there has been a switch of venues.

The event was initially set to take place in the city of ‘red walls and sandstone buildings’ – Marrakech, the same city that held it last year.  

But it will now be held in Rabat on December 16 at the stunning Mohammed VI Grand Theatre.

According to Morocco World News, the French Football Federation suggested the change of venue of the CAF Awards.

Rabat’s new theatre has cutting-edge facilities and a striking design after the French President, Emmanuel Macron, saw it first hand on his recent visit to Morocco.

This is a smart move as the CAF Awards will be putting on full display one of Morocco’s world-class venues while the country hopes to host more major sports events down the line.

Among the nominees, Moroccan stars Ashraf Hakimi and Sofiane Rahimi are in the race for Africa’s Best Player, while Yassine Bounou and Brahim Diaz have been snubbed despite a stellar season with their respective clubs — Al Hilal and Real Madrid. 

Last week, Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Brigitte Macron inaugurated the Grand Theater that King Mohammed VI set in motion in 2006 with a whooping budget of MAD 1.677 billion ($170 million). Considered a cultural powerhouse, the theater houses  a 7,000-seat amphitheater, a 1,900-seat auditorium, and a stunning 7.1-hectare layout. 

Morocco is ready to welcome Africa’s best footballers and managers, and show the world its new star venue.