The construction of sports policy in Morocco: Institutional framework, infrastructure and events

The construction of sports policy in Morocco: Institutional framework, infrastructure and events

The development of sports policy in Morocco is rooted in the recognition of the polysemy of sport, ranging from leisure activities to competitions, from supervised activities to spontaneous ones, and of its diverse locations and purposes. The singular nature of this sector, at the intersection of the political, economic, social and event-related, means that public action in this area is not very visible, or even clear. Starting with law no. 30-09 of 2010, the Moroccan state has positioned itself as a central regulator, structuring the sector via affiliated federations and public infrastructures, notably under the impetus of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee (CNOM) and national federations. Other institutions have also been created, such as the Mohammed VI Football Academy and Complex, with major investments, and the Sports Science Institutes, which reflect a commitment to strengthening technical capabilities, with an emphasis on management, ethics and high-level training, and professionalizing the governance of clubs and federations. And let's not forget the National Sport Strategy, which aims to modernize this governance based on three pillars: transparency, professionalization and intersectoral coordination.

However, public action in the field of sport continues to be hampered by a lack of transparency in management, insufficient funding outside of major projects, and a lack of infrastructure in rural areas. The challenge is to establish interconnected, multi-level governance involving local authorities, civil society and the private sector. This process of building a genuine public sports policy is underpinned by the royal impetus which, through a host of institutional initiatives, is giving sport an undeniable place at national level, while emphasizing the diplomatic and soft power dimension, geared towards promoting Morocco internationally and encouraging adherence to new models of good governance. The central question is: How is sports governance organized, and what are its players, levers, strengths and limitations? The aim of this research is to analyze the institutional framework, outline the potential of infrastructures and identify the organization and management capacities of major sporting events, as well as the possibilities for capitalizing on these events.

Candidates are expected to carry out their research full-time within the structures of EUROMED University.

The doctoral student is required to conduct theoretical and field research in accordance with the guidelines provided by his supervising professor. She/he must therefore periodically submit reports and progress updates at each stage of his/her work, in accordance with the deadlines and requirements set by CEDOC.

Student with a degree in legal or political science, good writing skills and a good command of social science research methods.

CV, a cover letter, the PhD project, diplomas, and academic transcripts.

The application file must be sent to the Doctoral Studies Center (CEDoc) of the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes by email no later than October 24, 2025, to the following contacts:

Administrative Affairs Officer of the CEDoc: Mrs. Boutaina Jai Mansouri : : b.jai-mansouri@emadu.ueuromed.org)

Director of Research and of the CEDoc: Prof. Abdelghafour Marfak : : a.marfak@euromed.org)

• Pr. Sanae KASMI (s.kasmi@ueuromed.org)