Moroccan Badminton Federation Faces Ongoing Crisis,Hurting Athletes
A deep-seated conflict within the Moroccan Royal Badminton Federation (FRMBA) continues to plague the sport,leaving athletes competing under neutral flags and hindering the progress of badminton in the country. The dispute, simmering since 2016, has led to suspensions and left professionals calling for resolution.
Legal Battles and Factionalism Paralyze Badminton Governance
the FRMBA has been mired in a power struggle between two factions as 2016. In 2018, the courts initially sided with Marouane Bichi’s leadership. Although Bichi regained control of federation facilities following an appeals court ruling three years later, the underlying issues remain unresolved, according to badminton professionals.
Athletes Forced to Compete Under Neutral Flag Due to Suspension
The internal turmoil had significant repercussions in 2021 when the international badminton body suspended the FRMBA’s membership. This suspension forced Moroccan athletes to compete under a neutral flag. Driss Bourroum, the first Moroccan athlete to win a continental title in badminton, experienced this firsthand when he earned a bronze medal at the 2025 African Badminton Championships in Douala but could not represent his nation with its flag.
calls for Resolution Grow Louder
driss Bourroum, who competes internationally for Morocco while based in France, released a video urging a solution through the convocation of a general assembly. Similarly, Mohamed El Ghouat, president of the Volant d’or badminton association in Marrakech, recently criticized the existence of “two federations” and the ongoing, unresolved conflict.
Impact on Athletes and Officials
The consequences of the FRMBA’s suspension extend beyond just the inability to represent Morocco officially. As Bourroum stated, athletes granted waivers to compete under a neutral flag still face the difficult choice of participating without their national anthem at victory ceremonies. Furthermore, Moroccan badminton referees are reportedly entirely excluded from international events.
Moroccan Badminton Federation Faces Internal Disputes and Governance Challenges
The Moroccan Royal badminton Federation (FRMBA) is currently embroiled in internal disputes, prompting concerns about governance and perhaps leading to disciplinary actions. The federation is working towards resolving a suspension of its international membership, with a general assembly planned to address the issues.
Badminton players voice Concerns, Advocate for Resolution
Several Moroccan badminton players are publicly addressing the situation, seeking a collaborative solution to benefit all stakeholders. Driss bourroum, a prominent player, stated, “We are several players who are publicly addressing this issue… We are in the same boat and believe that a concerted solution will benefit everyone.” bourroum aims to facilitate a resolution through mediation or a common agreement, while acknowledging the limitations of his role as an athlete.
FRMBA President Assures Transparency, awaits Ministry Approval
FRMBA President Marouane Bichi assures that the general assembly will proceed with the participation of all 54 clubs and federation members, including those who have expressed criticism. The meeting, previously postponed pending an audit report, awaits authorization from the relevant ministry. Bichi anticipates the lifting of the international membership suspension following the assembly.
Federation Denies Financial Misconduct, Cites Autonomous Funding
Bichi refutes allegations of financial impropriety, emphasizing that the FRMBA operates autonomously, relying on its own resources and voluntary contributions to promote badminton in Morocco. “The disagreement, if it exists, is not of a financial nature, since in the last nine years, the federation has not received public support,” Bichi stated, highlighting the federation’s commitment to the sport’s development.
Legal Disputes Addressed, Potential Disciplinary Measures Considered
addressing past internal conflicts, Bichi maintains that there are no parallel federations for badminton in Morocco, despite administrative disagreements. He asserts that a 2018 court ruling validated the FRMBA’s legitimacy and its regular interaction with the overseeing ministry.
Though, the FRMBA is considering disciplinary actions against individuals who have made public statements containing alleged inaccuracies.”We have taken note of the recent public statements by some parties, which have alleged inaccuracies that could lead to disciplinary proceedings, and even judicial consequences,” Bichi cautioned. The federation views some statements as attempts to incite players and referees to change their nationality, a matter of serious concern.
Moroccan Royal Boxing Federation Denies Mismanagement Allegations Amidst Internal Disputes
RABAT,Morocco – The Moroccan Royal Boxing Federation (FRMBA) is vehemently denying allegations of mismanagement and impropriety,asserting that the claims stem from disgruntled parties seeking positions within the institution. Marouane Bichi, a representative of the FRMBA, stated that these individuals were rejected for “objective reasons of eligibility” that were clearly explained to them.
FRMBA Faces Allegations and Legal Threats
The denial comes amidst growing tensions within the FRMBA, with some members purportedly threatening to pursue international arbitration.Bichi dismissed these threats, expressing confidence that the legal system will ultimately vindicate the federation.
Rejection of Administrative Integration Fuels Controversy
According to Bichi, the core issue revolves around individuals who desired to integrate into the FRMBA’s administrative office but were deemed ineligible.The federation maintains that its decisions were based on objective criteria and communicated transparently to the applicants.
FRMBA Confident in Legal Outcome
Despite the controversy and the threat of international arbitration,the FRMBA remains steadfast in its position. Bichi conveyed assurance that the allegations are unfounded and that the federation will prevail in any legal proceedings.
Here are two PAA (Problem, Action, Analysis) related questions suitable for the provided Q&A, each on a new line:
Moroccan Badminton Federation Crisis: Q&A
get the facts on the ongoing turmoil within the Moroccan Royal Badminton Federation (FRMBA) and its impact on athletes.
Q&A
- WhatS the main problem facing the FRMBA?
- A long-standing power struggle between factions within the federation, dating back to 2016, is causing internal disputes, suspensions, and governance challenges.
- How has this conflict affected Moroccan athletes?
- Athletes have been forced to compete under a neutral flag in international competitions, losing the ability to represent their country officially. This includes missing out on the national anthem during victory ceremonies.Moroccan referees are also excluded from international events.
- Who is involved in the leadership dispute?
- Marouane Bichi has been a key figure, with court rulings initially favoring his leadership. Though, underlying issues persist, leading to calls for resolution.
- What is the role of the General Assembly?
- A general Assembly meeting is planned to address the issues and hopefully resolve the suspension of the FRMBA’s international membership. It will involve all 54 clubs and federation members.
- Are there allegations of financial misconduct?
- The FRMBA president, Marouane Bichi, denies allegations of financial impropriety and states that the federation operates autonomously, relying on its own resources and voluntary contributions.
- What are the potential consequences for those making public statements?
- The FRMBA is considering disciplinary actions,and even judicial consequences,against individuals who have made public statements containing alleged inaccuracies. The federation views some statements as attempts to incite players and referees to change their nationality, a matter of serious concern.
- What is the position of the Moroccan Royal Boxing Federation (FRMBA) in this scenario?
- This is a separate but related situation. The Moroccan Royal Boxing federation (FRMBA) denies allegations of mismanagement and impropriety, asserting the claims stem from disgruntled parties seeking administrative positions within the organization.they are confident they will be vindicated in any legal proceedings.
- What can happen if the FRMBA does not resolve this issue?
- If the FRMBA does not resolve its internal issues, it could continue to face international sanctions, further hindering the growth of badminton in Morocco and negatively impacting the careers and opportunities available to Moroccan athletes.
Stay informed on this ongoing situation and support the athletes affected by the FRMBA’s internal disputes.
