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AFCON 2025 Luggage Row: Morocco Exonerates Itself, Points Finger at Iberia Airline
Moroccan aviation and airport authorities have firmly denied any responsibility for the delayed luggage reported by DR Congo international Cédric Bakambu, stressing that the matter lies exclusively with Iberia Airlines, the carrier responsible for transporting the baggage.
Bakambu took to social media to express frustration over the situation, saying: “My suitcases, which were supposed to arrive on December 19 at Casablanca airport, remain untraceable to this day. The authorities have confirmed to me three times that they’ve located my luggage, alas, still nothing. I find myself having to compete in the #AFCON25 stripped of all personal belongings.”
The post, which included images purportedly showing a luggage storage area, triggered widespread reactions online, with some users questioning procedures at Morocco’s main international gateway, Mohammed V International Airport.
In response, Moroccan authorities moved quickly to clarify their position.
A senior official within Morocco’s airport administration told reporters: “At no point do Moroccan airport or border authorities take custody of passengers’ checked luggage. From check-in to final delivery, baggage handling, routing, and tracking are the sole responsibility of the airline and its contracted ground handlers.”
The official added that Morocco’s role is limited to infrastructure provision and security screening in line with international aviation standards.
“Morocco cannot be held accountable for luggage that is delayed or lost in transit. Under international conventions, including the Montreal Convention, liability rests entirely with the operating airline—in this case, Iberia,” the official said.
According to aviation sources, Iberia operated the flight segment(s) linked to Bakambu’s journey, making the Spanish carrier legally responsible for any mishandling. Moroccan authorities said they have nonetheless cooperated fully by facilitating access and searches where requested by airline representatives.
Another official emphasized that the issue should not be politicized or misattributed. “We understand the player’s frustration, especially during a major competition,” the official said.
“However, it is important to be clear: Morocco and its authorities are not involved in baggage logistics. Any claim, recovery process, or compensation must be addressed directly with Iberia Airlines.”
Air travel experts note that baggage disruptions often occur during high-traffic periods or when luggage transits through multiple hubs, failures that are typically linked to airline systems rather than destination airports.
Iberia Airlines had not released a public statement on the matter as of the time of publication.
Moroccan authorities concluded by reiterating their commitment to welcoming teams and visitors under the highest standards during the tournament, while stressing that responsibility for passenger luggage remains with airlines, not host-country institutions.
