The much-anticipated rollout of the Yalla app, launched by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) as the official Fan ID platform for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), has been met with significant user criticism over technical failures and serious concerns regarding its compliance with national data protection laws.
Technical Troubles and User Frustration
Shortly after its release, users began reporting a host of technical issues plaguing the Yalla app. Widespread reports cited frequent application crashes, failed Near Field Communication (NFC) scans required for identity verification, and significant registration delays attributed to heavy server traffic. These initial performance problems have created a frustrating experience for fans attempting to register for their mandatory Fan IDs ahead of the tournament.
A Breach of National Data Law
Beyond the technical glitches, a more critical issue has emerged: the app’s failure to adhere to Morocco’s Law 09.08. The law, which governs the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data, mandates that any entity collecting user information must provide a clear and mandatory legal notice. The Yalla app launched without this notice, raising alarms about how user data is being collected, processed, and stored. Under Law 09.08, data controllers are fully responsible for ensuring information is collected for legitimate purposes, is accurate, and is retained only as long as necessary.
Regulatory Scrutiny and The Path to Compliance
The oversight places the app under the scrutiny of the National Commission for the Control of the Protection of Personal Data (CNDP), Morocco’s data protection authority. The CNDP requires any website or application manager to formally notify the commission of its data processing activities. While the Yalla app’s Google Play Store page includes a brief mention of data security, it lacks the specific legal disclosures and direct accountability required by law. An unnamed source has indicated that the compliance issue is expected to be resolved “imminently,” though the FRMF has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
About The Royal Moroccan Football Federation
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is the governing body of football in Morocco. Founded in 1956, it is responsible for overseeing the country’s national football teams and the domestic league system. The FRMF is affiliated with FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA).
Source: MEA TechWatch
