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Botola

Botola is the top tier of the Moroccan men's football league system.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Botola is the top tier of the Moroccan men's football league system. It is the main domestic professional competition in Morocco and operates a system of promotion and relegation with the second division.

History

Botola is presented in the sources as Morocco's top football league, with origins described variously as 1915 or 1956 depending on whether the competition's historical lineage or its modern national form is being referenced.

Competition format

The league features 16 clubs and operates a home-and-away league format, with teams competing for the championship, continental qualification, and relegation avoidance.

Governance and status

Botola sits at the top of the Moroccan football pyramid and is administered under the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the national professional league structure.

Successful clubs

Wydad AC is identified in the sources as the record titleholder, while other prominent clubs include Raja Casablanca and AS FAR.

Key facts

  • Botola Pro is Morocco's premier men's football league.
  • The league is contested by 16 clubs.
  • It uses promotion and relegation with the second division.
  • It is governed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
  • Wydad AC is the most successful club in the competition.

Frequently asked questions

What is Botola?
Botola is Morocco's top division in men's association football.
How many teams play in Botola?
The league is contested by 16 clubs.
Who governs Botola?
It is governed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Does Botola use promotion and relegation?
Yes. Clubs can move between Botola and the second division.
Which club has won the most titles?
Wydad AC is identified in the sources as the most successful club.

References

  1. Wikipedia on IPFShttps://en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org/wiki/Botola
    Supports: Botola Pro is Morocco's top men's football league, with 16 clubs and promotion/relegation.
  2. Albanian Wikipediahttps://sq.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botola
    Supports: Botola is Morocco's top league; 16 clubs; founded in 1915; current champion RS Berkane; Wydad AC most titles.
  3. Morocco World Newshttps://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/06/319746/tight-title-race-confirms-botola-is-an-exciting-league/
    Supports: Current-season context mentioning several clubs competing for the Botola title.
  4. Live Soccer TVhttps://www.livesoccertv.com/competitions/morocco/gnf-1/
    Supports: Botola Pro 1 as Morocco's top professional men's league, 16 clubs, governed by the federation.
  5. German Wikipediahttps://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botola
    Supports: Botola as Morocco's championship; 16 teams; record titleholder Wydad Casablanca.