La Liga president Tebas eyes Morocco for future league matches
La Liga president Javier Tebas has stated the Spanish top flight is considering playing official league matches in Morocco. Tebas revealed the possibility in an interview with the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP) on Thursday, citing the country's large fanbase and logistical ease as key factors.
Tebas specifically suggested that the new stadium in Casablanca, once completed, could host a couple of matches. "Given the number of supporters who follow the Spanish championship in Morocco, I think it would be easier to play in Morocco, particularly because the logistical constraints related to travel are minimal," Tebas told MAP. "We could also consider a match in the new stadium of Casablanca."
This revives a long-standing ambition of Tebas to stage La Liga games abroad, a project often referred to as 'La Liga Overseas'. The league's efforts faced a significant setback in October 2025 when a planned match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami, USA, was cancelled following opposition from several clubs within Spain.
The proximity of Morocco, just across the Strait of Gibraltar, presents a geographically simpler proposition than previous transatlantic attempts. Tebas also emphasized the historical and sporting ties between the two nations to bolster the proposal's appeal. "There have always been strong links, a great proximity and a good understanding between Spain and Morocco in the field of sport, particularly football," he added.
The concept of domestic league matches being played on foreign soil remains controversial globally. Major European leagues have explored the idea for over a decade, primarily to grow their international brands and commercial revenues, but have consistently met resistance from domestic fan groups and, at times, football governing bodies. The Premier League's attempted '39th game' project in 2008 was shelved after widespread criticism.
For La Liga, expanding its global footprint is a central commercial strategy under Tebas's leadership, competing with the Premier League's international dominance. Morocco represents a strategically important market, with a historically strong connection to Spanish football through player pathways and broadcast viewership. The success of the Moroccan national team in recent World Cups has further amplified football's profile in the country.
Any move to stage matches in Morocco would require approval from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), FIFA, and the relevant Moroccan authorities. Previous attempts have been complicated by disputes over sporting integrity and the impact on domestic match-going supporters. If realized, it would mark the first time a La Liga match is played outside of Spain for competitive points, setting a significant precedent for the league's future.
