World Cup 2030 Raises Concerns Over Homosexuality and Alcohol in Moroccan Stadiums

 he joint hosting of the "2030 World Cup" by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal has sparked discussions about Morocco's stance on individual freedoms prevalent in Western countries, such as homosexuality and public alcohol consumption, which are more common in Spain and Portugal.

Russia and Qatar: Exempt from International Criticism

Both Russia and Qatar faced scrutiny from Western human rights organizations and media before hosting the World Cup. Russia refused to amend its internal laws, while Qatar, despite a FIFA statement claiming Doha's commitment to accepting homosexuality, firmly opposed allowing the "One Love" armband on team uniforms.

Article 489 of the Moroccan Penal Code criminalizes homosexuality, stating that "anyone who commits acts of homosexuality with a person of the same sex shall be punished with imprisonment from six months to three years, and a fine of two hundred to one thousand dirhams, unless his act constitutes a more severe crime."

Morocco also criminalizes public alcohol consumption, punishable by imprisonment for one to six months and a fine of 150 to 500 dirhams. The penalty can be doubled if the act causes public disorder.

Justice Minister Abdul Latif Wehbe has suggested reducing the punishment for public drunkenness in the new criminal law, though some human rights organizations oppose it, citing societal impact.

Spain and Portugal's Alcohol Policies in Stadiums

With Morocco co-hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, its laws contrast sharply with those of its partners. Both Spain and Portugal allow same-sex marriage but have strict regulations regarding alcohol in stadiums.

According to the "Misbar" platform, Spanish Law 10/1990 prohibits the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages and narcotics in stadiums during sports competitions to "prevent violence between fans."

In Portugal, since 1980, the introduction, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sports stadiums have been prohibited under regulations addressing sports-related violence. Although current legislation allows some exceptions, non-alcoholic beverages are generally the only options available in sports venues. However, Portugal has updated its laws to permit alcohol sales in designated areas within stadiums.

Potential Reforms in Morocco

Saeed Maash, a lawyer at the Casablanca Authority, believes that Morocco might soften some legal provisions, especially those related to alcohol consumption, as part of amending its current criminal law. Maash told Hespress that the 2030 World Cup might see regulatory authorities showing tolerance towards individual freedoms for foreign fans, provided these do not conflict with Moroccan cultural norms.

Maash explained that Moroccan criminal law is already evolving, and discussions about decriminalizing certain individual freedoms, such as public drunkenness, were underway even before the World Cup debate surfaced. He noted that the enforcement of laws against public intoxication is inconsistent, given that liquor stores and some restaurants operate without full legal compliance.

Regarding homosexuality, Maash suggested that Morocco might seek a solution requiring foreign fans to respect local societal norms that reject homosexuality.

Morocco's Stance on Homosexuality and Alcohol

During the Qatar World Cup, after authorities refused to allow displays of homosexuality, the European Parliament called for an investigation into human rights violations, which did not materialize. Qatar also banned alcohol sales in World Cup stadiums, allowing it only in designated fan zones and specific areas, leading to dissatisfaction among alcohol companies that had invested in the event.

Abdel Aziz Khalil, a legal researcher, argued that Morocco is unlikely to permit displays of homosexuality or public drinking through its criminal law amendments. Khalil told Hespress that discussions on homosexuality are absent from the amendment agenda, and public alcohol consumption will not be allowed during the World Cup.

Khalil emphasized that local cultural values remain a priority in any criminal law, even in highly liberal countries, and stressed that some individual freedoms are seen as affronts to societal dignity in Morocco. Therefore, significant legal leniency in these areas for the 2030 World Cup is improbable.