Infantino hails Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as “Jewel of World Football”

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Facts about Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex

-An athletics stadium (Stade Olympique de Rabat) with a capacity of 22,000 seats

-An indoor multisport arena (Salle Moulay Abdellah arena)

-An Olympic swimming pool

-Football training pitches

-A large car park with space for 5,200 vehicles

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has, as the leader of the world’s football governing body, been privileged to visit the most iconic and symbolic stadiums of the sport.

From Brazil’s Maracana, Argentina’s La Bombonera, to the architecturally stunning Allianz Arena in Germany and MetLife Stadium in the USA, football’s supreme leader has seen them all.

And yet rarely has Infantino ever come out so thrilled as he was in the aftermath of his recent visit to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. He was effusive about the stadium, describing Moulay as “the jewel of world football.”

While gushing on his Instagram account, Infantino added: “This stadium is definitely one of the most modern, efficient and beautiful arenas in the World, projecting Morocco at the elite of the global game.”

It’s not usual that Infantino loses himself over superlatives.

But clearly, for Moulay, there was an exception. And out of curiosity, I had to visit this glorified state-of-the-art facility during my tour of Morocco’s state-of-the-art facilities scheduled to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for December 21 to January 18, 2026.

Moulay, located in the heart of Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, is one of the most striking stadiums in world football, a venue that symbolises national pride and Morocco’s growing importance in the global sporting arena.

Its transformation from an old facility, first built in 1980, to a state-of-the-art facility reflects Morocco’s commitment to excellence.

The 68,700-capacity stadium, an increase of 21,000 from its previous configuration, was named after Prince Moulay Abdellah, who was the brother of the late King Hassan II. The project was championed by a collaboration of firms, including the Moroccan firm Orange Atelier and Populous. Furthermore, Temsan was the steel contractor.

It was completed under two years, setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest stadium construction.

The reconstruction, carried out under the directives of King Mohammed VI, was completed at a cost of $75m (sh266b).

Moulay hosted Morocco’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying win against Niger last Friday – the national team’s first match at the stadium since it underwent major renovation works.

After experiencing Moulay firsthand, I can confidently say Moulay is more than just a stadium. Moulay offers exceptional accessibility through multiple transportation options, which allow fans easy access and exit without challenges. There are metro connections and bus services around the stadium, which I found so convenient.

Its cutting-edge design was inspired by palm leaves and blends Moroccan architectural traditions with modern innovation.

The upgrades at the facility were made on the infrastructure around it, the pitch and facilities for both fans and the media. Moulay also accommodates an Olympic swimming pool, football training pitches, and an indoor multisport arena. There is also a multi-level underground parking facility for about 5,200 vehicles.

Sustainable materials sourced locally and internationally were used to reduce environmental impact while ensuring durability and energy efficiency.

Spanning over 40,000 square meters, the renovated stadium incorporates advanced technologies to enhance both player performance and fan experience.

The pitch itself has been meticulously designed to meet FIFA standards, featuring advanced drainage systems and grass technologies that guarantee optimal playing conditions.

The facility takes football experience to a whole new level of comfort and satisfaction thanks to the five-star amenities that are embedded in its creation.

The hospitality sections have no equal in football indulgence. The sections comprise of 110 private VIP boxes, five luxury lounges accommodating nearly 5,400 guests, premium amenities, conferences and provide exclusive access to luxurious lounges.

The media is such an integral unit in Morocco, and this is reflected in all the media facilities at the stadium. The media centre, media tribune, mixed zones and press conference areas are equipped with the latest technical and logistical resources.

The facility also features a panoramic roof and redesigned VIP areas. The stadium’s interior features high-definition LED screens, advanced acoustic systems and smart crowd management technologies.

Its most striking feature is Africa’s first hybrid natural lawn, a surface combining natural grass and synthetic fibres to guarantee durability, drainage, and rapid recovery while ensuring player safety.

I can safely state that Moulay is in the best possible shape to host the opening match, a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the grand final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.