In a comprehensive and revealing interview, Omar Bennis, President of the Sports Company for Maghreb Sportif de Fès (MAS), outlined a transformative financial and sporting roadmap for one of Morocco's most historic football institutions. Speaking from the historic imperial city of Fez, Morocco, Bennis shared that the club's budget for the 2026-2027 season is set to reach an impressive 102 million dirhams—a milestone originally targeted for 2030 that has been accelerated due to surging commercial revenues, successful sponsorship deals, and the club's prestigious participation in the CAF Champions League.
The announcement underscores the growing financial muscle and professionalization of Moroccan football clubs under the strategic impetus fostered nationally. Despite ongoing challenges regarding stadium closures and infrastructural renovations in Fez, MAS remains fully committed to contending for the Botola Pro title and making a profound impact on the continental stage, reflecting the rising standards of Moroccan sports management and ambition.
Financial Growth, Structural Reform, and Corporate Vision
Bennis detailed the remarkable upward trajectory of the club's finances, noting that the budget climbed from 51 million dirhams at the start of last season to 71 million following their triumphant league campaign, before leaping to the current 102 million dirham threshold. Key contributors to this financial leap include shirt sponsorship revenues reaching roughly 18 million dirhams—up dramatically from just one million dirhams previously—alongside substantial territorial institutional support of 18.5 million dirhams.
To support this expansion, MAS has implemented key administrative reforms, replacing the traditional sporting director model with a decentralized committee of five operational poles to streamline decision-making. Furthermore, Bennis revealed that the club's general assembly has extended his presidential mandate until 2031, laying the groundwork for a long-term economic strategy that includes plans to take the sports company public on the Casablanca Stock Exchange in the post-2030 era. Concurrently, the club is preparing to open official merchandise stores in downtown Fez and at the local airport to further engage its passionate fanbase.
Tackling Infrastructure Challenges and Strengthening the Squad
Addressing the sporting hurdles facing the team, Bennis candidly discussed the setbacks caused by the closure of the Fez Grand Stadium and ongoing construction at the Stade Hassan II. Playing home fixtures away from Fez—such as in Mohammedia—has created logistical burdens, travel strains, and reduced ticketing revenue, though vital intervention from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), led by Fouzi Lekjaa, has continuously assisted clubs in navigating continental fixtures.
On the pitch, Bennis defended the appointment of coach Amine El Karma following rigorous legal procedures and praised the squad's resilience in the CAF Champions League group stage alongside formidable opponents like Pyramids FC, Al-Hilal, and Horoya AC. Significantly, the MAS president firmly rejected a lucrative official bid from Egypt's Al Ahly for star midfielder Oussama Nour Eddine, asserting that key players will not be sold during the winter transfer window as the club chases domestic glory and continental distinction.
As reported by hespress.com.
