As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals kicked off in Morocco, many fans have found themselves forced to watch the matches in cafés. This option, however, quickly became a source of widespread frustration, as practices such as mandatory meals and inflated prices in some establishments sparked a wave of anger and intense debate over consumer rights. DR ‹ › For thousands of Moroccan fans during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted in Morocco, choosing a café to watch the games is not a luxury but a necessity dictated by exceptional circumstances: tickets sold out quickly, broadcast channels unavailable at home, and open fan zones unable to withstand the heavy rains. For many, however, this necessity turned into a bitter experience, as certain commercial practices triggered a wave of outrage on social media. Since the start of the tournament on December 21, videos and testimonials shared by customers have documented cases in which some cafés imposed mandatory meals or special pricing as a condition for watching matches involving the national team. These practices have fueled a heated debate over the boundary between legitimate profit and the exploitation of the public's passion for football. Speaking to Yabiladi, the president of the Moroccan Consumer Rights Association, Bouazza Kharrati, stressed that forcing a customer to purchase a meal constitutes a conditional sale, which is prohibited by Law 31.08 on consumer protection, except in cases where the offer is clearly presented as a complete package and respects the consumer's freedom of choice. Many social media users have questioned whether café owners are legally entitled to set prices at their discretion. On this point, Kharrati confirmed that they are, noting that prices in Morocco are generally free, except for subsidized or regulated goods. He added, «Café owners are free to set their prices, but this freedom is subject to clear display and full transparency, with consumers retaining the right to accept or refuse». The Consumer's Power to Change the Rules of the Game The consumer rights advocate believes the time has come for consumers to reclaim their decision-making power, arguing that accepting imposed conditions without protest amounts to relinquishing one's rights. If customers collectively stopped frequenting establishments that raise prices excessively or impose unfair conditions, those businesses would be forced to reconsider their pricing policies. «The consumer may be the weakest link in this equation, but they still have the power to change it. If citizens refuse to engage with these practices, offending establishments would be compelled to correct their behavior». Kharrati revealed that authorities in the city of Kenitra intervened after the association received a documented complaint from a customer who was charged a price different from the one displayed on the menu. He described the case as «false advertising and fraud», offenses punishable under Law 31.08, which provides for clear sanctions, including fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. The consumer rights advocate warned that the persistence of such practices not only undermines consumer rights but also damages Morocco's image as a host country for one of the continent's largest sporting events.
