Fans of AS FAR Rabat Lift the Stadium Boycott: A Comeback Spark for Moroccan Football

Background

AS FAR Rabat fans have decided to return to the stands of Rabat's Olympic Stadium starting with the upcoming match against Tangier's Union. They had previously boycotted the home leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round against Gambia's Real Banjul, protesting entry conditions and the restrictions they faced.

They will return on Wednesday for the club's match against Union de Tangier, after some of their demands were addressed following talks with club officials, authorities, and stadium administrators.

They had previously sent a letter to the club asking to be allowed back for home games following the Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host, so they can welcome their opponents at the rebuilt Grand Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Fans' call for attention was followed by a mood shift after a lethargic crowd at Banjul, prompting talks that led to a pledge to improve organization and avoid replications of those scenes.

Officials described a protocol to ease access, open several gates, and let fans use the underground car park, aiming to keep order while supporting the club’s push for local and continental success.

Looking ahead

AS FAR sits second after beating Yaqub Al Mansour and drawing the Clasico with Raja, while Tangier have started modestly with two draws. The upcoming clash is pivotal for both sides as they seek better form before the international break, ahead of Morocco's friendly with Bahrain and a World Cup qualifier against Congo.

Management is aiming for an exceptional season on the pitch as well, buoyed by a strong financial year built on big transfers: Amin Zahzouz to Qatar, Hatim Al-Sawaabi to Genk, Akram Al-Naqqash to an Emirati club, and Hamza Ijaman to Lille, with additional sales boosting the club’s coffers.

They hope for league and Cup glory, reclaiming the title lost in recent seasons and lifting the King's Cup, helped by renewed fan support and a return to hosting matches in the capital.

Attention shifts to AFCON being hosted in Morocco, with Rabat’s stadiums in focus, especially the grand arena rebuilt for the occasion. Regragui even showed up in the stands for the AS FAR-Banjul tie, a gesture aimed at healing a tense relationship and reigniting momentum before the Tangier match.

Punchline: When fans win attendance, even the ref brings popcorn.

Punchline 2: Football's a drama; the whistle is the laugh track.