The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed details about its coordination with Morocco regarding the finals of the 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN 2025), which concluded last Sunday.
The agency said, in a statement, that it supported Morocco in implementing nuclear security measures for this tournament, as the magnitude of this event, which was held over the course of nearly a month, required the implementation of strict measures to protect hundreds of thousands of spectators attending.
The same international agency reported that “Morocco requested support to help ensure that nuclear and other radioactive materials are not used to target the event, including reviewing and strengthening security arrangements.”
She also confirmed that, last June, she sent a mission including experts to the Kingdom, with the aim of reviewing nuclear security arrangements, explaining that “this was followed by training for Moroccan officials on operating, testing and maintaining the equipment at the Agency’s training and demonstration center in the field of nuclear security, as it is the first international training center dedicated to strengthening global nuclear security.”
The same agency had previously loaned radiation detection equipment to the Kingdom for use during the African Cup of Nations matches, and during exercises conducted by the Moroccan authorities last October in Rabat and Marrakesh, where scenarios related to nuclear security were developed.
In this regard, Elena Buglova, Director of the Nuclear Security Division at the International Atomic Energy Agency, said, “The IAEA is committed to helping countries remain vigilant in implementing nuclear security measures during mass events.”
Boglova highlighted, saying: “Our cooperation with Morocco is based on experience accumulated over years in supporting countries in hosting the African Cup of Nations, in a safe atmosphere for football teams and fans.”
For his part, Bouchaib Fikri, the national contact person responsible for coordinating the assistance provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency to Morocco during CAN 2025, said, “The technical support provided by the Agency during this sports tournament contributed to strengthening our national capabilities in the fields of nuclear safety and security.”
Fikri added, “This support also contributed to the organization of this sporting event in a safe atmosphere for fans, sports teams, and all participants,” noting that “this cooperation embodies Morocco’s commitment to nuclear security.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that it is currently supporting Mexico in its preparations to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly with Canada and the United States next summer. This is to ensure that strict measures related to nuclear security are taken in one of the largest sporting events in the world.
The agency also stated that in 2025, for the first time, it provided its expertise in the field of nuclear security at the Formula 1 Grand Prix, after providing Azerbaijan with support in protecting race participants and spectators from any potential threats involving nuclear or other radioactive materials at the Baku event.
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