The leaders of the Ittihad Riyadi of Tanger (IRT) and those of the Moghreb Athlétic of Tétouan (MAT) announced, on Wednesday 2 January, during a press conference, the launch of a new partnership aimed at the mutual development of the two clubs. "The official signing of the new agreement by the two presidents of the MAT and the IRT will take place tomorrow, Thursday, in Tangier during the gala evening of the first edition of the Mediterranean Friendship Trophy," indicated Mohammed Achraf Abroun, delegate president of the MAT.

The latter continued that the MAT and IRT clubs have an interest in getting closer and working hand in hand to restore the image of their two teams, the only representatives of the region during major sporting events. "We are confident that this new partnership agreement will be beneficial for both parties," affirmed Mr. Abroun, noting that the IRT will be able to overcome its difficulties and this period of crisis thanks to the harmony, ambition, and strong will of the members of its new management board.

It should be noted that this new agreement covers their cooperation in several areas, including training, the exchange of experiences, as well as administrative and technical management. "This new partnership agreement covers, among other things and essentially, the organisation of training courses for young players and trainers of both clubs. We will, for this purpose, make the IRT benefit from our know-how and our technical and administrative experiences," specified Mr. Abroun. And to add that "the IRT will, through the conclusion of this new agreement, be a main partner for the organisation of the Mediterranean Friendship Trophy, welcoming each year one of the great teams from the Mediterranean rim".

Let us emphasise that the conclusion of this partnership agreement took place only a few days after the constitution of the new management board of the IRT, chaired by the current president of the Tangier-Asilah prefectural council, Abdelhamid Abarchane, who was the great absentee from this press conference, organised on the sidelines of the first Mediterranean Friendship Trophy, whose activities took place on Thursday 3 January at the large sports complex of Tangier.

Supported by the mayor of Tangier, Fouad El Omari, as first vice-president, the new president of the Ittihad will, for lack of financial means, have a very hard task to relaunch the Tangier club, which is currently at the bottom of the championship standings this season.