Behind the Scenes: When Global Ambition Meets Local Reality
The awarding of the organization of the 2030 World Cup to Morocco, jointly with Spain and Portugal, marks a historic turning point for the Kingdom. It is an unprecedented economic opportunity, promising to boost the country’s infrastructure, tourism, and brand image. However, as this global deadline approaches, and in the wake of an emotionally charged AFCON 2025, a shadow lingers over the preparations. Troubling reports, notably covered by The Athletic, highlight controversial methods in managing the stray dog population, raising ethical questions that could tarnish Morocco’s international reputation.
At the heart of this controversy lies the management of stray dogs. While the spotlight shines on futuristic stadiums and luxury hotels, “cleanup” operations are reported in the outskirts of major host cities. In Marrakech, not far from the upscale districts of Guéliz, witnesses describe disturbing scenes around discreet facilities, officially identified as municipal slaughterhouses, but seemingly diverted from their primary function to manage, in opacity, the flow of stray animals.
High-Tension Pickup Operations in Marrakech
The descriptions reported by observers on the ground are alarming. Unmarked vehicles roam the streets, capturing animals with a brutality that contrasts with the country’s promises of modernization. These actions, often carried out at dawn or nightfall, aim to remove from public spaces anything that could “visually disturb” international visitors.
This expedited approach unfortunately recalls the incidents that occurred during AFCON 2025, where logistical management sometimes took precedence over humane and ethical considerations. For a country positioning itself as a bridge between Europe and Africa, these practices risk creating a disastrous gap between the projected image and the reality on the ground. Animal protection organizations, such as IAWPC (International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition), point to a cyclical strategy: every major sporting event seems to trigger a wave of radical cleansing, to the detriment of animal welfare and sustainable solutions.
The contrast is striking between the economic buzz stirred by the 2030 World Cup and these archaic methods. While investors focus on local opportunities, such as the rise in luxury vehicle prices or real estate development, the management of living beings remains a dark spot. Testimonies report unbearable detention conditions: overcrowding in cramped cages, lack of light, and deprivation of food, turning these centers into death traps rather than shelters.
The Economic Repercussions and Morocco’s International Image
The controversy goes beyond the simple scope of animal protection; it touches the very attractiveness of Morocco as a destination. Tourism, a pillar of the national economy, relies on an image of hospitality and safety. Yet, Western tourists are particularly sensitive to animal welfare. Stories of vacationers shocked by visible abuse or the sudden disappearance of “neighborhood dogs” multiply on forums and social media networks.
In tourist areas like Tamraght or Agadir, popular for surfing and relaxation, the fear changes sides. It is no longer the dogs that scare, but the pickup squads. For visitors coming to enjoy a surf trip in Morocco, witnessing scenes of violent capture can turn an idyllic experience into trauma, directly impacting return rates and recommendations.
A Paradoxical Legislation and FIFA’s Position
Faced with international pressure, Moroccan authorities and football bodies try to reassure. FIFA, confronted with incriminating dossiers, often refers to national sovereignty while claiming to monitor the situation. Yet, local legislation sends conflicting signals. While texts exist to punish abuse, other bill projects seem to criminalize the help citizens provide to stray animals, creating a dangerous legal gray area.
Here is an overview of the discrepancies between official statements and NGO observations:
| Aspect | Official Statement & FIFA 📢 | Reality Reported by NGOs 🔍 |
|---|---|---|
| Management Method | TNVR Program (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release) | Mass collection, culling, and poisoning |
| Infrastructure | Construction of new shelters and dispensaries | Use of unsanitary pounds and landfills |
| Legislation | Strengthened and modernized animal protection | Threats of fines for citizens feeding strays |
| 2030 Goal | Health safety and modern image | Quick visual cleanup at the expense of ethics |
This dichotomy places Morocco in a delicate position. As the country prepares to welcome the world, including for the upcoming WAFCON 2026, the persistence of these practices could prompt certain partners or sponsors to demand accountability, concerned about their own CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) image.
The Scientific Ineffectiveness of Culling Campaigns
Beyond the moral aspect, the effectiveness of the “hunt” for dogs is contested by experts. The World Health Organization (WHO) and veterinarians agree that massive elimination does not solve the problem of canine overpopulation nor rabies. It creates what is called a “vacuum effect”: territories freed by killed dogs are quickly occupied by new individuals, often unvaccinated and more feral, migrating from surrounding rural areas.
🛑 The direct consequences of this approach are multiple:
* Increased health risks: The movement of unmonitored dog populations promotes disease spread.
* Waste of public funds: Budgets allocated to repeated captures and purchasing munitions or poisons could finance sustainable sterilization campaigns.
* Social trauma: Children and citizens witnessing this violence are exposed to normalized brutality, harmful to social cohesion.
Prominent African football figures, such as those mentioned in debates about stars like Salah, Osimhen, or Mané, have occasionally expressed their sensitivity to animal welfare. Mohamed Salah, for example, strongly opposed the export of stray dogs to Egypt. The current silence of sports federations regarding these accusations in Morocco is therefore deafening, while football claims to embody universal values.
To succeed in its 2030 gamble, Morocco must urgently align its ethical standards with its infrastructure ambitions. Modernization is not limited to concrete; it also involves humane and scientific management of living beings. As an international crossroads, exemplified by its role as a strategic bridge between Europe and Africa, the Kingdom has everything to gain by adopting the TNVR model (Trap-Neuter-Vaccine-Return), the only proven method to stabilize canine populations while preserving public health and the country’s image.
Why is the management of stray dogs linked to the 2030 World Cup?
Hosting a global event like the World Cup imposes high standards in terms of image, security, and urban cleanliness. Authorities often seek to remove stray animals from tourist areas and around stadiums to reassure visitors and present a “modern” image of the country, which sometimes leads to expedited and controversial management methods.
What is the TNVR program mentioned as a solution?
TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccine-Return) means Capture, Sterilization, Vaccination, and Release. It is the method recommended by WHO and NGOs. It involves capturing dogs, sterilizing them to stop reproduction, vaccinating them against rabies, then releasing them back into their territory. This stabilizes the population and prevents the arrival of new unvaccinated dogs (vacuum effect).
What is FIFA’s official position on this issue?
FIFA has stated that it received assurances from Moroccan authorities regarding respect for animal welfare and the implementation of new laws. However, the football governing body is criticized by associations for its lack of concrete action and sanctions in response to evidence of culling presented in the accusation files.
Are there laws protecting animals in Morocco in 2026?
Yes, Moroccan legislation has evolved and theoretically provides sanctions against animal abuse. However, the enforcement of these laws remains uneven. Paradoxically, some local regulations or draft laws tend to penalize citizens who feed stray animals, creating a conflict between animal protection and public health policies.
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