Why Morocco is written as MAR in FIFA?

 

Morocco is one of the oldest footballing nations in the world, having been a member of FIFA since 1957. But why is Morocco written as MAR in FIFA? This article will explain why Morocco is written as MAR in FIFA, as well as explore the country’s footballing history and its current standing in world football.

The reason why Morocco is written as MAR in FIFA is due to its French name, ‘Maroc’. The French word ‘Maroc’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘Maghreb’, which literally means ‘West’. As a result, the French-speaking countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia are all referred to as the Maghreb region. When the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) was founded in 1904, it adopted the French spelling of Morocco, Maroc, as its official name for the country. This is why Morocco is written as MAR in FIFA.

While football has been played in Morocco since the late 19th century, the country’s first football association, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, was founded in 1956. As a result, Morocco was admitted as a full member of FIFA the following year. Since then, the country has represented itself in various international competitions, including the African Cup of Nations, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympic Games.

Morocco has also enjoyed a long and successful history in club football, with clubs such as Raja Casablanca, Wydad Casablanca and Maghreb Fez having won multiple continental titles. The national team has also achieved success, winning the African Cup of Nations in 1976, the Arab Nations Cup in 2012.

Today, Morocco is ranked amongst the top 20 footballing nations in the world. The country’s football league, Botola Pro, is also one of the most competitive in Africa. Morocco has also produced some of the world’s top footballers, such as Youssef En-Nesyri, Hakim Ziyech, and Medhi Benatia.

In conclusion, Morocco is written as MAR in FIFA due to its French name, Maroc. The country has a long and proud history in international football, having been a full member of FIFA since 1957. Morocco has also enjoyed a successful history in club football, with various clubs winning multiple continental titles. The national team has also achieved considerable success, winning the African Cup of Nations in 1976, and the Arab Nations Cup in 2012. Morocco is now ranked amongst the top 20 footballing nations in the world and its football league, Botola Pro, is one of the most competitive in Africa.