The FRMF Bans New Academies Bearing the Names of Foreign Clubs in Morocco

As Morocco continues to expand its football infrastructure, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has moved to tighten control over how private academies present themselves. On August 9, 2026, the federation announced a ban on new private football academies and schools using the names of foreign clubs, whether through partnership, licensing, naming rights, or any other form of association. The decision applies to newly created structures rather than existing ones, though the federation has made clear that all academies will eventually need to align with the new rules.

FRMF bans new private academies from using foreign club names, though existing academies will eventually need to comply as well.

The measure is part of a broader national framework governing the organization and management of private academies, published just two days before the announcement. Under this framework, any academy seeking official approval must first receive a favorable opinion from the FRMF. This requirement is grounded in existing sports legislation, specifically law 30.09 on physical education and sports, along with decree 2.10.628, both of which require government authorization before a private sports establishment can legally operate. These academies form the foundation of a larger pathway that channels talented youth players through youth national teams before they reach professional football and, ultimately, the senior Atlas Lions. The FRMF itself serves as the governing body overseeing this entire developmental pipeline, from grassroots academies to the national team setup.

In practical terms, the ban targets names like Real Madrid Academy, Barcelona Academy, or PSG Academy, even when such academies claim an official partnership or licensing agreement with the clubs in question. The federation has specifically flagged academies affiliated with major European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, and Juventus as falling under close scrutiny, particularly where these ties facilitate scouting or recruitment of young Moroccan talent.

The FRMF has framed the decision as an effort to protect the identity of Moroccan football and strengthen the independence of the country’s youth development system. Officials have also emphasized the need to distinguish between legitimate technical cooperation with foreign clubs and academies that operate fundamentally as extensions of foreign brands. Another motivation cited is the prevalence of misleading commercial practices, where some academies use recognizable club names without any genuine affiliation.

For now, the federation has not detailed how existing academies with foreign branding should shift, nor has it outlined a timeline or specific penalties for non-compliance. Those details are expected to emerge as the national reference framework is implemented across the country’s private football education sector.