Moroccan champions Maghreb de Fès (MAS) announced on Thursday, July 16, the appointment of Portuguese coach Rui Almeida as the club’s new head coach following the departure of Pablo Franco.
In a statement, the Fassi club confirmed that Almeida has signed a one-year contract, although no financial details of the agreement were disclosed.
The appointment comes just days after MAS parted ways with Franco, who guided the club to its first Botola Pro title in 41 years at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Having secured their 5th league crown after a fiercely contested campaign, the club is now looking to build on that success and prepare for a demanding season that will see it defend its domestic title while also competing in the CAF Champions League.
MAS believe Almeida’s experience at both the international and local levels will be key as the club enters a new chapter.
The Portuguese coach has managed several clubs across Europe and already has experience of Moroccan football, having taken charge of Difaa El Jadida during the previous Botola Pro season.
