Middle East Research and Information Project

Critical Coverage of the Middle East Since 1971

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Christopher J. Cox

Christopher J. Cox is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Arab & Islamic Studies, University of Exeter.

Morocco’s Marginalized Youth and the Rise of Football Ultras
Moroccan security forces stand guard as supporters of Raja Club Athletic chant slogans and wave flags at a Moroccan Botola football match between Raja and Mouloudia Oujda in Casablanca on January 22, 2020. Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesBefore the Champions League Final between Al-Ahly and Wydad Casablanca at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, Morocco, May 30, 2022, fans raise a tifo inside the stadium. Juan Medina/Reuters
MER Article

Morocco’s Marginalized Youth and the Rise of Football Ultras

With Morocco’s youth reeling from bleak educational and job prospects following two years of strict COVID lockdowns, football clubs offer unique outlets for expressing frustration, anger and opposition to the authoritarian status quo. The stadium has become one of the few public spaces relatively fr
Christopher J. Cox • 14 min read