Abdullah Tiam, the head of the Africa section at the International Sports Press Association, confirmed that the Mohammed VI Football Academy is an embodiment of the royal vision to promote football, and represents a true source of pride for the African continent, praising the historic achievement of the Moroccan national team under the age of 20 by winning the Youth World Cup.
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency, Mr. Tiam, who is also the president of the Senegalese Sports Press Association, highlighted the crucial contribution of this prestigious sports academy in training and qualifying an elite group of Moroccan football players, pointing out that "Morocco is now reaping the fruits of a planned, sustainable, and comprehensive strategy." He added, "Morocco has a high-level training infrastructure that rivals, if not surpasses, its counterparts in the greatest football-playing countries in the world, especially in Europe," expressing his hope that "this model will inspire other African countries to follow the same path." Tiam affirmed that "the Mohammed VI Football Academy embodies the royal vision for integrated sports development," highlighting the quality of its modern qualifying facilities, its comprehensive programs dedicated to young talents, and its high-level medical supervision structures. He also praised "the insightful leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI," as well as "the distinguished work of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation," pointing out that the Atlas Lions' victory in the under-20 World Cup in Chile "is not a coincidence, but rather the fruit of a perceptive sports policy, based on the royal vision, and encouraging African talents within a structured and professional framework." He added that Morocco's victory in the under-20 Youth World Cup represented "a moment of pride for the entire African continent, and a source of inspiration for new generations," demonstrating the ability of sport to be a lever for diplomacy and international influence. He concluded by saying: "Morocco, through its sports and training model, has proven that by having a sound vision, planning, and perseverance, Africa can compete with the greatest global powers."
