Casablanca’s $22 Million Stadium Renovation Fails: World Cup Qualifier Exposes Crumbling Infrastructure

Videos circulating on social media show the "Donor" stadium roof in poor condition and deteriorated, with no visible signs of repair or rehabilitation. However, around 225 million dirhams have in the meantime been devoted to its rehabilitation - the latest construction project. The Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca remains one of the sports facilities in Morocco that has undergone successive renovations, even requiring its temporary closure. This stadium was closed for a year and a half, depriving the two clubs of the economic capital, Wydad and Raja of Casablanca, of playing their matches on its pitch.

Last April, the "Donor" stadium was inaugurated after maintenance work that lasted a year and a half. A few months later, it can be seen that this work has had no visible impact on the quality and modernization of the equipment. In addition to the roof, the grass appeared damaged despite the low number of matches that took place there at the time. Conversely, the green rectangle appeared in good condition during the Guinea-Algeria match, as several observers were able to note. What was the purpose of the funds allocated to the renovation of this sports infrastructure that hosts the derby between Wydad and Raja of Casablanca?

These observations are concerning, as eight matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) scheduled from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 will take place on the "Donor" stadium pitch, which can accommodate around 45,000 spectators. Six during the group stage, one in the round of 16, and one match for third place, according to the program adopted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Morocco must therefore act quickly to better succeed in organizing the tournament.