In Fez, Morocco, the tremors from a powerful earthquake near Marrakech on a Friday night into early Saturday morning triggered widespread concern across the region. Morocco, still grappling with the aftershocks and the tragic toll that surpassed 800 lives, faced a sudden reminder of nature’s unpredictability. The quake registered at magnitude 6.8 and caused damage across several cities, with emergency teams working to assess the full extent of the impact as rescue operations continued in the hardest hit areas.
The Brazilian Pre-Olympic Team, commonly known as the U-23 squad, was in Morocco at the time of the seismic event. The group includes Vitor Roque, who was on loan to Athletico Paranaense from Barcelona. While the players experienced the tremors, officials confirmed that there were no injuries among the Brazilian delegation and no football-related consequences stemming from the incident.
During the night, the Brazilians and their staff were awakened by the shaking and chose precautionary measures to stay safe. They remained near common areas at the hotel, with the group later able to return to their rooms after about an hour. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) issued an official update to relay the situation, emphasizing that all players and members of the technical staff were unharmed and accounted for.
The CBF’s statement highlighted that the Pre-Olympic Team was resting in Fez, a city that was not among the hardest hit by the earthquake. The federation noted that the team felt the ground tremors on Friday evening and systemic precautions were taken to ensure everyone’s safety. The players and personnel remained near the hotel pool for approximately an hour as a safety measure before returning to their rooms and resuming normal routines as conditions allowed.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the incident prompted discussions about the potential implications for the team’s training schedule and travel plans. Sports authorities and medical staff reviewed the players’ physical wellbeing and mental readiness following the event, prioritizing a calm and orderly return to planned activities. In Morocco, local authorities continued to conduct assessments of infrastructure and public safety measures to prevent further risks while coordinating with international teams present in the country at the time.
Observers noted that the earthquake struck a region with varied susceptibility to ground movement, and responders quickly mobilized to assist those affected in nearby towns. While Fez itself did not suffer the same level of damage as Marrakech and other cities, the incident underscored the importance of disaster preparedness for traveling squads. The incident also echoed a broader message about the resilience of athletes who must balance competitive commitments with contingencies for emergencies like this one. The Brazilian delegation, along with teammates from other national programs, demonstrated professionalism in adapting to the unexpected disruption while maintaining focus on safety and performance upon return to training.
As details continued to emerge, the emphasis remained on verified information and clear communication. The CBF reiterated its support for Morocco and acknowledged the victim relief efforts unfolding across the country. While the immediate risk to the team appeared minimal, the broader context reminded readers of the serious consequences such natural disasters can have on communities, sports ecosystems, and international sporting events. This event served as a reminder that even in the midst of competition, the wellbeing of athletes and staff takes precedence, and rapid, accurate updates are essential for all stakeholders involved.