The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in France has announced that it has filed an official complaint with the French judicial authorities following incidents that occurred in Aubervilliers after the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Morocco and Canada. According to an official statement issued by the embassy, the incidents involved the burning and tearing of the Moroccan national flag, as well as verbal assaults and acts of intimidation targeting several Moroccan female supporters.
In its statement, the Moroccan diplomatic mission said it had decided to pursue legal action before the French courts over what it described as serious incidents, emphasizing that the move reflects Morocco’s commitment to protecting its national symbols and safeguarding the security and rights of its citizens living abroad.
The embassy stated that the events took place on the evening of 4 July in the Quatre Chemins district of Aubervilliers. It added that documented evidence and video footage show a group of individuals allegedly removing, burning and tearing the Moroccan flag in a public space while chanting slogans that, according to the embassy, indicated an Algerian affiliation.
The diplomatic mission described these actions as an unacceptable insult to an official national symbol representing the sovereignty and unity of the Kingdom of Morocco. It further stated that the incidents caused deep concern among members of the Moroccan community in France, Franco-Moroccans and those who support the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. According to the embassy, such acts cannot be justified and may constitute behavior that threatens public order.
The embassy also stated that additional videos documented verbal abuse and intimidation directed at women wearing Morocco’s national football team jerseys, some of whom were accompanied by young children. It said these actions are inconsistent with the principles of respect and coexistence shared by the Moroccan and French peoples.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco confirmed that it has initiated the appropriate legal procedures by filing a formal complaint with the competent French judicial authorities. It called for a thorough investigation into the reported incidents and urged the relevant authorities to take the measures provided for under French law to protect individuals, property and national symbols, while ensuring that responsibilities are determined through the judicial process and in accordance with the principles of the rule of law.