Football was introduced to Morocco in the early 20th century, initially played informally by Moroccans before the organization of the first official matches. During the colonial period, the earliest clubs and competitions were established, though they were initially restricted to European settlers. Over time, the sport evolved into an integral part of Morocco's national culture, shaped by the emergence of clubs and championships that laid the foundations of modern Moroccan football. The legend of Moroccan football, Larbi Benbarek ‹ › The exact origins of football are difficult to pinpoint, as early forms of the game existed across several civilizations, notably in ancient China and medieval Europe, long before the ball and playing methods evolved into their modern form. Football as we know it today took shape in the United Kingdom during the 19th century. The decisive turning point came in 1863 in London, when English clubs agreed on a unified set of rules that formally separated football from rugby. These rules banned the use of hands and excessive physical contact, even though they were still relatively simple and did not yet specify the number of players or the duration of matches. Over time, the game became more structured with the introduction of referees, standardized match timing, and the adoption of the penalty kick in 1891. The creation of the English Football Association in 1863, along with the earlier founding of Sheffield FC in 1857, marked key milestones in football history. The sport then moved onto the global stage with the establishment of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in 1904 and the launch of the first World Cup in 1930, paving the way for the codified and organized game known today. How Football Came to Morocco Historical accounts of when Moroccans first encountered organized football vary, with two main narratives emerging. The first suggests that Moroccans became familiar with the game in the mid-19th century through English sailors who played football in Moroccan ports while waiting for their ships to be repaired. The second narrative argues that football was introduced during the French Protectorate, brought by French military personnel and settlers. According to this view, Moroccans continued to play the game informally in cities and villages for some time, without official organization or institutional oversight. The late El Houssine El Hayani, a leading figure in Moroccan sports journalism, maintained that the first officially recorded football match in Morocco took place in 1913 in Ain Taoujdate, between Fez and Meknes, just one year after the establishment of the Protectorate. The match was played between French settlers from Fez and Meknes. The Establishment of Football Clubs A major milestone came in 1913 with the founding of the Moroccan Sports Union of Casablanca. Three years later, the Moroccan League was created, forming the first organized competition structure, although it remained under colonial administration and was initially restricted to European clubs. Around the same period, the Racing Athletic Club of Casablanca (RAC) was established, followed by other clubs that would shape Morocco's football landscape. In 1920, the North African Championship was launched, bringing together clubs from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia and marking the first regular regional competition. Within this context, the Athletic Club of Tetouan was founded in 1922, followed by the Association of Greater Morocco in Tangier in 1923. That same year saw the creation of the Olympic Club of Khouribga, initiated by the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP). This period was further strengthened by the establishment of the North African Cup in 1930. The Moroccan Sports Union of Casablanca won the competition in 1932, the same year the Rabat-Salé Association was founded. During the late 1930s, the football base continued to expand with the creation of the Athletic Club of Kenitra in 1938, followed by the football section of Wydad Athletic Club in 1939, which would later become one of the most powerful symbols of Moroccan football. After World War II, the sport entered a new phase marked by the rise of clubs with a clear national identity. In 1946, the Maghreb Association of Fez was founded by Driss Benzakour and a group of nationalists, alongside Mouloudia Oujda. Around the same period, the Sports Union replaced the Rabat-Salé Association, while Hassania Agadir also emerged. This momentum continued with the creation of Kawkab Marrakech by Driss Benchekroun, the Union Athletic Club of Casablanca, and the Sporting Youth of Mohammedia. A historic turning point came in 1949 with the founding of Raja Athletic Club by a group of trade unionists, including Mahjoub Ben Seddik and Maati Bouabid. From its inception, Raja embodied a strong link between football, social engagement, and political activism. The Establishment of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation The era of the Moroccan League came to an end in 1955, with Wydad Athletic Club winning its final edition, symbolically coinciding with the end of the Protectorate and the dawn of a new era for national football. Following independence, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was established, replacing the Moroccan Football League, which had been part of the French Football Federation overseeing 22 leagues across various territories. At its inception, the FRMF brought together 310 teams and launched the first national championship, won by Wydad Athletic Club in 1956. A year later, the Throne Cup competition was introduced. In 1960, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation joined FIFA, followed by its accession to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1963. Moroccan clubs such as Wydad Athletic Club, Raja Athletic Club, the Royal Army, and Olympic Khouribga would later shine on the continental stage. Moroccan football continued to progress, making history as the first African national team to contest an Africa-Europe playoff for World Cup qualification. In 1961, Morocco faced Spain in a two-leg tie for a place at the 1962 World Cup in Chile. The matches were played on November 12 in Casablanca and November 23 in Madrid. Spain won on aggregate, defeating Morocco 1-0 in Casablanca and 3-2 in Madrid, securing qualification for the tournament.
