فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
On November 26, 2024, the National Office of the National Union of Media and Journalism, under the banner of the Democratic Confederation of Labor, issued a strong statement condemning what it described as a “scheme to undermine and encroach upon the sports journalism sector.” The statement expressed firm rejection of the so-called “Stadium Card” introduced by the Publishers’ Association, labeling it as an insult to the journalism profession and a blatant violation of Moroccan law and the constitution.
The union argued that the decision, which seeks to replace professional press cards and accreditation for journalists, barring them from accessing stadiums and sports venues, represents a significant infringement on the rights of sports journalists. It also undermines their ability to cover sporting events at all levels.
The statement emphasized that this measure is inconsistent with Morocco’s Press and Publication Code and constitutional provisions. It accused the decision-makers of pursuing a calculated agenda to impose unauthorized changes in the sector without consulting professionals. The union warned that this move is part of an effort by financial and business lobbies to dominate the field, asserting that the Publishers’ Association aims to manipulate the future of sports journalism to serve specific interests.
The union expressed its dismay at the position of the temporary committee of the Publishers’ Association, accusing it of supporting the implementation of the “Stadium Card” and aligning with this divisive agenda. It also condemned the complicity of certain trade unions that endorsed the move, warning of its negative implications for the sector and Moroccan journalism as a whole.
The statement concluded by urging the Moroccan government to immediately halt the implementation of this decision and called for the revocation of the “Stadium Card” initiative. It also demanded adherence to practices that uphold the rule of law. The union reaffirmed its readiness to participate in any national protest program launched by sports associations to defend the rights and independence of sports journalists. It emphasized that any attempt to justify this decision under the guise of reform is merely an unjustifiable claim.
