The quest to identify the second Moroccan club participating in the 2026-2027 CAF Confederation Cup has become a complex issue following the suspension of the 2024-2025 Throne Cup. Raja Club Athletic has already secured its place in this prestigious competition after achieving a commendable third position in the Botola Pro standings. Typically, the second slot is reserved for the winner of the Throne Cup; however, with the tournament still unfinished, a cloud of uncertainty looms over Moroccan football authorities.
The National Professional Football League (LNFP) made a significant announcement regarding the postponement of the remaining matches of the Throne Cup until the beginning of the next season. At present, the competition remains at the Round of 16 stage, with the match between FAR Rabat and Stade Marocain, originally scheduled for July 8, still pending. This delay is particularly problematic as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to finalize the list of participating clubs by July 25, leaving Moroccan officials in a bind over who should occupy the position typically allotted to the cup champion.
The Usual Qualification Process
Under standard circumstances, the qualification process for continental competitions is clear-cut: the top two finishers in the Botola Pro earn spots in the CAF Champions League, while the third-place team and the winner of the Throne Cup are granted entry into the CAF Confederation Cup. Based on the concluded league standings, MAS and RS Berkane have qualified for the Champions League, with Raja Club securing the first Confederation Cup spot. However, the uncertainty surrounding the Throne Cup winner complicates matters regarding the second qualification slot for the Confederation Cup.
In light of this, FAR Rabat has asserted its claim to the second spot in the 2026-2027 CAF Confederation Cup. On July 8, the club announced that the postponement of the Throne Cup necessitated determining Morocco’s representatives in international competitions based on the final standings of the Botola Pro. Since FAR finished fourth in the league, they believe they should be awarded the second Confederation Cup spot under this interpretation. However, it is crucial to note that the LNFP had not provided an official statement to confirm FAR's qualification at the time of this announcement, leaving the legitimacy of FAR's claim open to scrutiny.
Historical Context and Future Implications
This situation echoes a similar dilemma faced at the conclusion of the 2018-2019 season when the Throne Cup was also incomplete as Morocco sought to finalize its representatives for continental competitions. During that season, Hassania Agadir secured a place in the CAF Confederation Cup by finishing third in the Botola Pro, while the unresolved Throne Cup situation opened the door for potential qualification for Olympique Safi, the fourth-placed team. Ultimately, RS Berkane was granted participation in the 2019-2020 CAF Confederation Cup, having previously qualified as the 2017-2018 Throne Cup winner.
Now, the pressing question arises: will the same logic apply to Olympique Safi, the most recent Throne Cup champion, or will the authorities opt to adhere to the Botola standings and grant the second Confederation Cup spot to FAR Rabat? Currently, no official resolution has been provided. SNRT News, Morocco's public broadcaster’s digital platform, has reached out to LNFP president Abdessalam Belkchour and secretary general Khalid El Maghafri for clarification on the regulatory framework that will dictate the second representative for Morocco in the CAF Confederation Cup. However, neither official has responded as of the time of publication.
Until the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) or the LNFP issues a definitive statement, the identity of Morocco’s second representative remains uncertain. The combination of the unfinished Throne Cup, the impending CAF deadline, and the precedent set by RS Berkane has contributed to the ambiguity surrounding the qualification process. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how Moroccan football authorities navigate this intricate landscape to determine whether FAR Rabat will receive the continental spot based on its fourth-place finish or if an alternative solution linked to the unresolved Throne Cup will be adopted.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
