The debate has been reignited. Tebas’s recent comments on the possibility of playing league matches in Morocco are not an isolated idea, but rather the continuation of a strategy that LaLiga has been trying to implement for years: taking part of the competition outside Spain to gain a global presence.
It would not be the first time such an attempt has been made. In 2018, LaLiga announced an agreement to take official matches to the United States. The best-known case was the 2019 Girona vs FC Barcelona match, which was due to be played in Miami. However, opposition from the Royal Spanish Football Federation and legal uncertainties ultimately blocked the move. That project never came to fruition.
Something similar happened later with the idea of moving a 2019 Villarreal vs Atlético de Madrid match. Although it was seriously considered, it too failed to overcome regulatory barriers. Since then, the internationalisation of official matches has remained more of a goal than a reality.
In this context, Morocco now appears as a more viable option. Its proximity, the strong following of Spanish football and improved infrastructure — with cities such as Casablanca as a possible venue — alleviate some of the problems that arose in previous attempts. Furthermore, the partnership agreement between the leagues reinforces this approach.
Hassan II Stadium, where Javier Tebas wants to host LaLiga matches
Even so, the path is not clear. For an official match to be held outside Spain, approval is needed from bodies such as UEFA and FIFA, as well as the backing of clubs and fans, who have at times shown reluctance.
For the moment, no dates or fixtures have been confirmed. But the idea no longer seems far-fetched. If previous attempts have shown anything, it is that LaLiga has not given up on crossing borders; what remains to be seen is whether Morocco will, at last, be the place where that plan ceases to be merely an intention.