An illegal championship threatening the integrity of sports in Morocco: Who is protecting the laws?
In an event that threatens the integrity of the Moroccan sports system, shocking details have been revealed about the organization of an international Grappling championship by the Rabat-Salé Regional League of Traditional Jiu-Jitsu, without obtaining the legal authorization from the Royal Moroccan Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Associated Sports. Indeed, the League, which has illegally assumed the title of the Royal Federation of Jiu-Jitsu, is organizing sports competitions in violation of national laws, particularly Law No. 30-09 related to physical education and sports, as stipulated on page 3 of the statutes of the Royal Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which bears the stamp of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and states that “the statutes are in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 30-09 related to physical education and sports, Article 47 dated March 6, 2018.” The Royal Federation is the only authority authorized to organize such events.
This scandal, revealed by a documented video with sound and image, shows serious violations of the law and raises questions about the role of regulatory authorities in preventing such abuses.
Flagrant Violation of Laws Governing Sports in Morocco
Article 47 of Law 30-09 stipulates that sports federations are the only entities authorized to organize national and international championships, to ensure that sports events comply with legal and professional standards. Additionally, Article 93 of the same law confirms the authority of agents responsible for monitoring compliance with sports laws to intervene and investigate any violations, including collecting evidence and taking necessary legal measures. However, the international Grappling championship organized by the Rabat-Salé Regional League took place without the authorization of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Associated Sports, constituting a flagrant violation of the laws governing sports in Morocco.
Analysis: This legal violation is not only an overreach of the Royal Federation’s authority but also reveals a deeper issue related to the weakness of oversight mechanisms over regional sports institutions. The question arises: How can a regional league so easily ignore the laws? Is there a failure on the part of regulatory authorities in monitoring the activities of this league?
A Sports Association as a Facade: An Attempt to Conceal the Truth
The documented video reveals that the Rabat-Salé Regional League used a sports association as a facade to cover up the illegal organization of the championship. The video shows explicit confessions from officials within the League regarding the organization of the championship, which strengthens the complaints filed against them.
Analysis: The use of a sports association as a facade shows a deliberate attempt to conceal the truth and mislead regulatory authorities. This complicates the case and raises questions about the prevalence of such practices in the Moroccan sports system.
Legal Action by the Royal Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Upon learning of the illegal organization of the championship, the Royal Moroccan Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Associated Sports took legal action by filing an official complaint with the King’s Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance in Rabat (No. 705/3301/2025), requesting an investigation into the organizer of this international Grappling championship (GRAPPLING INDUSTRIE). Another complaint was filed with the prefecture office in Salé and the internal affairs division, where it was revealed that the association that announced the event was merely a cover to conceal the true organizer, namely the Traditional Jiu-Jitsu League.
According to reliable sources, the Royal Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu held an emergency meeting to review developments, and the Federation’s legal services confirmed that all elements of the sports offense had been gathered, prompting it to file a new complaint this week with the King’s Prosecutor’s office. The Federation will seek financial compensation of 200 million centimes, as well as the prosecution of anyone who has usurped the title of coach or referee, in accordance with Article 64 of Law 30-09 related to physical education and sports.
Key Question: What are the potential legal implications of this complaint? Will they be sufficient to deter such abuses in the future?
Call for a Comprehensive Investigation and Proof of Sports Offenses
Based on documented evidence, including the video containing explicit confessions from officials within the League, the Royal Moroccan Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Associated Sports is calling for a comprehensive investigation into these violations. The Federation relies on Article 93 of the Sports Law, which grants agents responsible for monitoring compliance with sports laws the authority to investigate any violations. The Federation also insists on the need to use the video as conclusive evidence of the violations, as it contains direct confessions that condemn the organizers of this illegal championship.
Analysis: Opening a comprehensive investigation is not only a necessary legal measure but also a strong message to the sports community that such abuses will not go unpunished. However, the success of this investigation depends on the cooperation of the concerned parties, including the Ministry of Sports and judicial authorities.
The Crucial Question: Will there be sufficient political and legal will to ensure that all involved parties are held accountable?
Lack of Oversight: Where is the Role of the Sports Directorate?
The absence of representatives from the Ministry of National Education and Sports at the event raises questions about the role of regulatory authorities in monitoring sports abuses. This absence reinforces the hypothesis of gaps in oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Analysis: The lack of effective oversight exacerbates the problem of legal violations and makes sports institutions more vulnerable to abuses. There is an urgent need to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure strict enforcement of laws.
Repercussions of the Scandal on the Sports System
This scandal not only reflects a legal violation but also threatens the integrity of the entire Moroccan sports system. Organizing an international championship without authorization weakens public trust in the concerned institutions and raises questions about the effectiveness of laws in protecting sports from manipulation.
In Conclusion: This case highlights the need for a comprehensive reform of the sports sector to ensure compliance with laws and limit abuses that could harm the credibility of national sports. The coming days will reveal the determination of the authorities to address this scandal: Will there be firm measures, or will things be left unaddressed?
