Morocco has been confirmed as one of the hosts for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone for African football.

However, this achievement is being overshadowed by disturbing allegations of animal cruelty.

Despite Morocco’s official commitment to animal welfare and a nationwide ban on animal culling, which was included in its bid to co-host the tournament, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) claims the government has continued with mass killings of stray animals.

According to the NSPCA, Moroccan authorities have justified these killings as part of a rabies control strategy. However, recent footage captured by community members—some as recent as December 2024—allegedly shows government-employed workers brutally rounding up and killing dogs.

The reported methods of culling include:

Poisoning with strychnine, either through direct injection or by placing it in food

Prolonged suffering, as poisoned dogs are left to endure agonising deaths

Animal Welfare Organisations Condemn Morocco’s Actions
Several international animal welfare organisations, including Eurogroup for Animals, Deutscher Tierschutzbund, Animais de Rua, Animal Protection Denmark, DJGT, La SPA, FOUR PAWS, LAV, and SEY, have written to FIFA urging action.

Their letter highlights that killing street dogs is not an effective long-term solution to managing stray populations. Instead, they advocate for humane and sustainable approaches, such as sterilisation programmes and vaccination campaigns.

Calls for FIFA to Address the Issue
Animal rights groups are now pressing FIFA to intervene and ensure that Morocco upholds its commitment to animal welfare ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

This controversy raises serious ethical concerns about the country’s preparations for the tournament and whether FIFA will take action in response to these allegations.

Despite the persistent speculation regarding Victor Osimhen‘s potential transfer to Manchester United, the associated financial complexities render such a move highly unlikely.

The Nigerian striker, expected to leave Napoli permanently after the 2024/25 season, has been on the radar of several top clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea. However, with United undergoing financial restructuring, signing Osimhen may be out of reach.

Reports suggest that the 26-year-old could command wages of around £20 million per season, a figure that United’s hierarchy is reluctant to match.

Osimhen is pursuing a substantial salary that would likely establish him as the highest-paid player within the club. This financial requirement comes as a pivotal condition for his potential transfer to the prestigious Premier League team, Manchester United.

His impressive performance record and market value significantly influence these salary expectations, reflecting his desire to secure a contract that mirrors his contributions on the field.

The Red Devils, who are actively working to reduce their wage bill from last season’s staggering £365 million, are unlikely to pursue such an expensive deal.

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson weighed in on the matter, stating that United’s current financial state does not align with signing a player of Osimhen’s profile. Speaking in an interview recently, Borson expressed skepticism about the club’s ability and willingness to afford both the transfer fee and the player’s wages,

“I think there are two aspects to the Osimhen deal, one is whether they could do it, whether they have the cash. I suspect they don’t and would need shareholders to inject more funds or take on additional borrowing,” Borson remarked.

Beyond the financial constraints, Borson suggested that Osimhen does not fit United’s current recruitment strategy.

Under their new transfer policy, the club has prioritised younger players on lower wages to stabilise long-term finances,

“A player like Osimhen is absolutely not the type of target United are pursuing in this phase,” he added.

Even if United could meet Napoli’s expected £62 million price tag, Borson argued that Osimhen’s wage demands would be the biggest obstacle,

“He’s another one of these players who falls into the £20m-a-year bracket. I don’t see United investing again at that level while restructuring,” he explained.

While Osimhen’s next move remains uncertain, one thing appears clear, Manchester United, at least in their current state, are unlikely to be his next destination.

With Arsenal reportedly interested in triggering his €75 million release clause and Chelsea’s past pursuit, the Nigerian forward’s future may lie elsewhere.

For now, Osimhen continues to impress on loan at Galatasaray, where he has notched over 22 goals and five assists in over 28 appearances this season.

Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Ltd, Ebi Egbe says he’s highly honoured to be nominated as one of the receipients of the forthcoming maiden Newstap SWAN Five Star Sports Award

He stated this when he received his letter of nomination from the Editor of Newstap Communications and South West Secretary General of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.

According to him, the recognition is an indication that Nigerians value what his company is doing noting that they’ll never compromise standards but will be moving with technological innovations.

“It’s always nice to be recognized. At Monimichelle Limited, we’ve been doing our best to make sure we bring in the best for sporting infrastructure not just in Nigeria, but the entire African continent. So I’m excited to be receiving this award from Newstap Communications and SWAN

” I also want to say that what this award shows is that the world is following our good track record. And this have really propelled us to continue doing what we’re doing. So I want to appreciate the organisers of this award for finding me worthy to be honoured.
He also assured Nigerians that his company will continue to provide the best services which is in tune with the latest technology.

“At Monimichelle, we don’t like to sit at the back seat. Even though we are an African company servicing African market, we’re following technology as it’s revolving in the world because technology changes everyday in the sports industry and we always make sure we give our clients the best of services and will continue to do so”, he concluded.

CEO of Monimichelle Group Ebi Egbe (middle) flanked by Editor of Newstap, Ifeanyi Eduzor (right) and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN official Charles Ogundiya when Egbe received his letter as one of the recipients of the Newstap/ SWAN Five-Star award billed for March 7 in Lagos.

Other reciepients of the Five Star Sports Award includes, the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, GTI Assets Management and Trust Limited, a company that has turned around the nation’s premier league, the NPFL, President of Remo Stars, Kunle Soname and Chairman of Benue State Football Association who is also the only founder of two women clubs in Nigeria – Naija Ratels and Benue Queens, Barrister Paul Edeh.

The event comes up on Friday, March 7, 2025 at the Bamboo Hall of the prestigious Eko Club, off Bode Thomas Street Surulere, Lagos.