Think Forward.

Le pavé dans la marre de Vinicius Jr.: bouger la coupe du monde d'Espagne 2763

Aziz Daouda, 1 y.
- Politics - Society - Sports -
2.3 min read.
La récente déclaration de Vinicius Jr. meilleur joueur du Real Madrid, concernant l’octroi de la Coupe du Monde à l’Espagne n’en finit pas de soulever de vives réactions. Il a dit en substance que la Coupe du Monde 2030 devrait être jouée dans un autre pays si les choses ne s'améliorent pas et qu’il est souvent victime d'insultes raciales en Espagne. "… J'espère que l'Espagne apprendra à ne pas insulter les gens à cause de leur couleur de peau. Si les choses ne changent pas d'ici 2030, la Coupe du monde devrait bouger. "Si les joueurs ne se sentent pas à l'abri du racisme, il est difficile d'y jouer", a-t-il dit en substance à CNN tout de même. La puissance du média choisi, c’est bien imbriquée avec celle de la parole de l’un des joueurs les plus connu de la planète. Il met ainsi dans l’embarras l’Espagne tout entière, conscient du pouvoir de star du football dont il jouit et sachant pertinemment que les opinions des sportifs de haut niveau ont un impact et peuvent affecter les institutions et les pays. A t’il bien réfléchit aux suites possibles ou probables de ses propos avant de se lancer dans une telle aventure : les conséquences pour son club, qui travaille avec la FIFA pour faire du Santiago Bernabeu rénové le lieu de la finale de la Coupe du Monde. Cette déclaration a un gout d’alerte sur un ras le bol des sportifs noirs en Espagne et peut être de vengeance même. Venicius Jr. sait surement que ses propos ne seront pas bien accueillis par les fans du sport et du football espagnols en particulier, cependant il s'exprime ainsi, qu’en Espagne on peut être insulté de manière raciste en sport comme dans la vie de tous les jours…C'est un véritable problème de société. Vinicius Jr. A pris des précautions en nuançant ses propos il n’a pas dit explicitement et catégoriquement que l'Espagne était un pays raciste mais plutôt « un pays où l'on peut souffrir de racisme ». N’empêche. Tout le monde a compris qu’il voulait simplement dire que l’Espagne est un pays raciste où les joueurs de couleur ne se sentent pas forcément très bien ; sinon pourquoi a-t-il été jusqu’à demander à la FIFA de manière à peine atténuée de réfléchir avant d’octroyer la Coupe du monde de 2030 à l’Espagne. Faut-il rappeler ici que l’Espagne est en candidature tripartite avec le Maroc et le Portugal pour l’édition centenaire de cette coupe. De tels propos ne vont pas tarder à générer un clivage entre ceux qui vont se soulever et les rejeter de fond en comble et ceux qui vont se ranger derrière Vini…Gageons que ceux-là ne seront pas très nombreux. Chose est certaine cela ne restera pas sans conséquence…même pour le Réal qui va surement réfléchir à la manière de calmer le jeu mais sans doute juste avant de prendre une décision quant à l’avenir du joueur dans le club… Certains ont déjà pris les devants, balayent d’un revers de la main les propos du brésilien en rappelant qu’actuellement les joueurs les plus adulés en Espagne et particulièrement en Equipe Nationale Espagnole sont bien LAMINE YAMAL ET NICO WILLIAMS et ils ne sont pas blancs…N’est ce pas une façon de discréditer avec une petite pointe d’ironie Vinicius Jr. Par ses propos l’attaquant madrilène aura il contribué à faire taire à l’avenir les insultes et les commentaires désagréables et déplacés dans les tribunes des stades de football ? Seul l’avenir nous le dira. Chose certaine il a soulevé un véritable débat un peu partout dans une Espagne qui ne respire que par le football… Il aura amené certains à se poser des questions sérieuses quant à leur comportement en tolérant ou en participant à des actes de nature raciste en Espagne et au-delà. Comme une trainée de poudre les propos du joueur ont parcouru l’Espagne et le monde en l’espace de quelques heures démontrant ainsi la puissance de la voix des sportifs de haut niveau. On en parlera surement à la FIFA mais pas pour aller, pour autant, jusqu’à suivre le joueur dans son idée de ne pas donner la coupe du monde à l’Espagne si la situation ne change pas avant 2030. Espérons tout de même que cela change vraiment...
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Aziz Daouda Aziz Daouda

Aziz Daouda

Directeur Technique et du Développement de la Confédération Africaine d'Athlétisme. Passionné du Maroc, passionné d'Afrique. Concerné par ce qui se passe, formulant mon point de vue quand j'en ai un. Humaniste, j'essaye de l'être, humain je veux l'être. Mon histoire est intimement liée à l'athlétisme marocain et mondial. J'ai eu le privilège de participer à la gloire de mon pays .


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Agentic AI Beyond Benchmarks: Meta-Agents & the Future of AI Evaluation with Khalil Mrini 275

Tariq Daouda, 1 d.
I recently sat down with Khalil Mrini to talk about his work and international experiences. He has spent time in Marrakech, Switzerland, India, and the United States, each place influencing his perspective in different ways. We also mentioned his visit at the UM6P, his experience of the university, students and innkvative AI curriculum. Khalil presented his new paper on agentic AI. The paper focuses on the use of autonomous agents to evaluate and benchmark other agents: essentially, systems that can test one another’s capabilities. He described how this approach could provide a more dynamic and optimal method for measuring progress in AI research. We ended the conversation by discussing AI ethics. Our exchange raised open questions about responsibility, transparency, and how the field can ensure that increasingly autonomous systems align with human values.
youtu.be/zE7PKRjrid4

A Historical Triptych: How Morocco, Spain, and Portugal are Forging the Success of the 2030 World Cup 386

Imad Khater, 2 d.
The assignment of the 2030 FIFA World Cup hosting rights to the unprecedented trio of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain marks the opening of a new chapter in the history of international and sporting relations. The joint organization of this event confirms an unparalleled dynamic, engaging the three nations in a triangular cooperation whose efficiency will be the decisive marker of this global event's success. This trilateral partnership transcends mere logistical collaboration to become a true lever for strategic development. The question is no longer whether bilateral relations are ready, but how their integration into a strengthened trilateral framework will guarantee the success of a mega-event poised to connect, for the first time, two continents through the medium of sport. Historical ties and geographical proximity provide a fertile ground for a remarkable intensification of relations between these three partners. The announcement of their tripartite bid has, in fact, elevated the need for harmonized coordination in the logistical, economic, and security domains to the level of a strategic imperative. I. The Political and Economic Foundations of Enhanced Cooperation The alignment around the 2030 project is not fortuitous; it is rooted in deep political and economic considerations that mutualize the interests of the three countries. •⁠ ⁠The Imperative of Convergence suffers no ambivalence: Spain and Portugal, while operating within the structural framework of the European Union, recognize Morocco as an essential strategic partner, a genuine gateway and pivot to the African continent. This dynamic is not unilateral; the Kingdom is consolidating its Euro-African anchor with heightened clarity through this same alliance. The World Cup deadline, far from being a simple calendar constraint, acts as a powerful lever, forcing the acceleration—often judged too slow—of regulatory, customs, and security convergence processes among the three capitals. Crucially, the political will displayed at the highest level—symbolized by the direct monitoring of Moroccan commitments by His Majesty King Mohammed VI—stands as a decisive catalyst, ensuring the establishment of a unified and enduring policy line, even in the face of contingencies and fluctuations in political majorities within the allied states. •⁠ ⁠Mutualization of Investments and Benefits: On the economic front, the World Cup represents an unprecedented opportunity to boost trade and investment. The trilateral agreements directly influence the planning of major works: the goal is no longer to build isolated infrastructures, but integrated networks (ports, air links, potential high-speed rail connections) designed for interoperability. The harmonization of tourism offerings and incentivizing fiscal regimes for sponsors and investors is crucial to maximize shared benefits. The success of coordination in the logistical, economic, and security domains will not be merely a performance indicator; it will be the symbol of a collective capacity to manage a complex event on a transcontinental scale. II. Managing Complexities: The Challenges of Co-Development An event of this magnitude, operated by three sovereign states, naturally generates frictions and coordination challenges that require first-rate diplomatic and technical management. •⁠ ⁠The Challenge of Global Security and Integrated Transport: The primary obstacle is the creation of a unified security space for the millions of supporters on the move. This demands real-time information sharing, coordination of law enforcement agencies, and the harmonization of emergency protocols. Concurrently, the transport system must be conceived as a single network. The transit of teams and supporters between Europe and Africa must be fluid, reliable, and ecological, necessitating targeted investments in airport capacity and maritime services. •⁠ ⁠The Cultural and Civilizational Vector: Beyond sport, the World Cup is a diplomatic platform. The secondary, but fundamental, challenge is to move beyond simple technical organization to present an ideal model of intercultural coexistence. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal must invest in promoting their cross-cultural heritages, consolidating the values of peace and mutual respect. This involves qualifying national institutions not only in logistics but also in public management and global media interaction, to avoid the pitfalls of fragmented or sensationalist coverage. III. The Structuring Influence of Bilateral Agreements on Logistics The influence of existing agreements between the three countries is vital for infrastructure development. The current stage is characterized by high anticipation from the private sectors and sports observers, who are watching for the concrete acceleration of construction projects. The overall efficiency of the operation—whether considering the pre-event phase, execution during the tournament, or the post-realization legacy—rests entirely on the solidity of the triangular commitment. The transformation of infrastructures, from stadiums to training centers and reception areas, must be carried out in a spirit of normative alignment. In conclusion, the 2030 World Cup is not merely the sum of three national organizations; it is a project of strategic co-development. The strong historical relations uniting the Kingdom of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, amplified by a constant and high-level political will, constitute the decisive element for transforming this bid into a resounding success, offering the world a precedent of successful integration between two shores.

Law 30-09: A “Tree with Bitter Fruits” Hindering the Development of Moroccan Sports 388

Imad Khater, 2 d.
- Politics - Society - Sports -
2.5 min read.
While Morocco’s recent performances on the international stage—particularly in football—demonstrate its growing dynamism, the legal framework governing the sports sector seems unable to keep pace with this evolution. Conceived in the wake of the 2008 Royal Letter and enacted in 2010, Law No. 30-09, which was meant to modernize the national sports system, now reveals—fifteen years after its delayed implementation—serious limitations. Marked by internal inconsistencies, deficient enforcement, and pervasive state interference, the law ultimately undermines its original purpose: to professionalize Moroccan sport and align it with international standards. I. Excessive Requirements and Forgotten Sanctions Born from a clear political will to reform Moroccan sport and provide it with a modern legal framework, Law 30-09 has quickly become a rigid and impractical instrument. One of its most emblematic—and controversial—provisions is the obligation imposed on certain sports associations to establish sports corporations (Sociétés Anonymes). While the intent was to ensure sound governance, fiscal transparency, and executive accountability, practice has revealed the limits of this approach. •⁠ ⁠A disproportionate constraint. Most associations lack the financial and organizational capacity to comply with such structural obligations. •⁠ ⁠A flawed and inapplicable framework. The law establishes three non-cumulative conditions triggering the obligation to form a sports company. Only the first has been clarified by regulation, while the other two—relating to turnover and payroll—were never defined by governmental decree. As a result, the rule remains largely inoperative, especially since the penalties for non-compliance are systematically ignored. •⁠ ⁠An unfinished reform. Even among the few clubs that have complied, the parent association still holds the majority of the share capital. This structural lock prevents the opening of capital to private investors, thus maintaining dependency on the old associative model rather than promoting professionalization. II. The Persistent Shadow of the State: An Interference Contrary to Autonomy Principles By its very nature, sport is a sphere of autonomy, an ethos enshrined in the Moroccan Constitution and in the regulations of international organizations such as FIFA. Yet Law 30-09 establishes the supervising ministry as the true guardian of the sector, concentrating significant and often excessive powers: •⁠ ⁠An extensive right of scrutiny. The ministry approves statutes, grants accreditation, and confers authorization to national federations. •⁠ ⁠A pronounced power of interference. The administration may impose standard contracts and, more seriously, revoke authorization or dissolve a federation in the event of a “serious violation.” Such prerogatives contradict the spirit of the Constitution, which reserves this power to the judiciary. •⁠ ⁠Institutional omnipresence. A state representative must sit within the governing bodies of both the national federations and the Moroccan National Olympic Committee (CNOM), reinforcing state oversight at the expense of autonomy. This predominant executive control contradicts the principles of independence that underpin both national constitutional law and the global sports governance model. III. The Ambiguous Status of Athletes: The Law’s Major Omission Beyond institutional deficiencies, Law 30-09 exposes a serious legal vacuum regarding the status of athletes. The professional athlete’s contract is treated as an ordinary employment contract—an assimilation that raises significant difficulties. •⁠ ⁠The legislator had to create several exceptions to the Labour Code (five-year fixed-term contracts, exclusivity clauses, conditions for unilateral termination), resulting in an incoherent hybrid regime. •⁠ ⁠Although classified as “employees,” professional athletes do not enjoy the social protection and retirement benefits normally afforded to workers. •⁠ ⁠As for amateur athletes, their status remains completely unaddressed by the law. The provisions aimed at supporting athlete training and post-career reconversion are equally deficient. They are neither mandatory nor widely implemented, few training centers exist, and many athletes lack the educational background needed to benefit from such programs. IV. The Need for a Moroccan Sports Code Faced with these structural weaknesses, a piecemeal revision of the law is no longer adequate. The codification of sports law—through the adoption of a comprehensive Moroccan Sports Code—is now an imperative step toward supporting the country’s international ambition. Drawing inspiration from the French model, such a reform would serve several key purposes: 1.⁠ ⁠Clarifying and consolidating the dispersed legal texts, regulations, and case law to facilitate specialization among legal practitioners. 2.⁠ ⁠Correcting inconsistencies by redefining the jurisdictional competences of the State and creating a sui generis legal status for professional and amateur athletes. 3.⁠ ⁠Modernizing the legal framework by integrating fiscal and social regimes specific to sports entities and individuals. Despite its initial promise of modernization, Law 30-09 has become a “tree with bitter fruits.” Instead of fostering professionalism, it has constrained the sector and amplified its institutional fragility. Only a complete codification—reflecting Morocco’s socio-economic realities and the principles of good governance—can ensure a coherent, autonomous, and sustainable framework for the country’s sports development.