Morocco-Israel: Does this partnership sign the death warrant for McDonald’s?

By:Souleymane Loum

Moroccan society continues to be tormented by its exceptionally special links with Israel. The scandal once again came from the American brand McDonald’s, or rather from its collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) while the restaurant chain is accused of feeding Israeli soldiers for free who caused 30,878 casualties in Gaza, and it’s far from over. The cronyism between the FRMF and McDonald’s does not work…

It’s the excitement in social networks, precisely like the one that led to a tremendous boycott campaign of products from First Rest International, McDonald’s Moroccan label. Internet users have not ceased since they saw the logo of the American brand on the official page of the FRMF, as a partner, alongside Dari – also accused of doing business with Israel -, Pepsi, AtlantaSanad, etc.

McDonald’s Morocco may argue that it has nothing to do with Alonyal Limited, its Israeli sister company which supplies the IDF, but nothing helps. Sponsorship of the Football Federation rekindles the injuries of Moroccan citizens. First Rest International pleads good faith but the reality remains that a portion of its profits flows to the parent company, which encounters accusations of supporting the Israeli state. This has sparked a resurgence of boycott calls and criticisms on the web.

Some did not waver in posting on X (formerly Twitter) that this collaboration between the FRMF and McDonald’s is “a betrayal”. Other Internet users think that the only logic in this contract is financial and that the two sides do not have the same values. Contacted by the Moroccan newspaper Hespress, a member of the FRMF clarified this embarrassing affair. He argued that the Federation, which has prominent international events such as CAN 2025 and the 2030 World Cup, must strengthen its preparation with various partners.

The same source added that there is nothing new under the sun and that this partnership with McDonald’s is older than the bloody events in Gaza which led to the boycott campaign. He added that it is just a “tacit renewal” of the contracts by both parties…

It remains to be seen whether Moroccans are willing to hear this argument.