Algeria and Morocco set for political battle in CAF Vice-Presidency race

The upcoming elections for the vice-presidency of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are shaping up to be a contest for influence between Algeria and Morocco, as both nations seek to strengthen their positions within African football’s governing body.

Election Set for April 17

Following the recent executive committee elections, which saw Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) and Walid Sadi (Algeria) secure positions representing Central and North Africa, attention now shifts to the selection of CAF’s five vice-presidents.

The elections, originally scheduled to take place earlier, were postponed by CAF president Patrice Motsepe to April 17.

Motsepe’s decision to delay the vote aims to ensure a balanced geographical distribution of leadership roles within CAF. The departures of Seidou Njoya (Cameroon) and Augustin Senghor (Senegal) have left a key vice-presidential seat vacant, a position that Algeria is reportedly keen to claim.

Algeria Eyes Leadership Role Amid Moroccan Opposition

Walid Sadi, the president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), is expected to formalize his candidacy in the coming weeks, with CAF’s Executive Committee set to meet in Morocco.

If confirmed, his bid could spark a major political tussle, as Moroccan football chief Fouzi Lekjaa is determined to maintain his influence as one of CAF’s vice-presidents.

Lekjaa, known for his strategic maneuvering within African football’s leadership circles, is reportedly prepared to challenge any Algerian bid for the position.

With both nations seeking to expand their control over CAF’s decision-making processes, the elections could turn into a high-stakes battle for supremacy.

North African Power Struggle

Algeria has already demonstrated its political capabilities within CAF, having played a key role in sidelining Tunisia’s influence to secure Sadi’s spot on the executive committee.

With Morocco determined to counter Algeria’s growing presence, the upcoming vote could further intensify the long-standing football rivalry between the two nations.

Beyond the Algerian-Moroccan standoff, other candidates for the vice-presidency include Ghana’s Kurt Okraku, Liberia’s Mustapha Raji, Ethiopia’s Esayas Jira Bosho, and Gabon’s Pierre Alain Mounguengui, who will represent Central Africa following Samuel Eto’o’s decision to step aside.

With CAF’s leadership balance at stake, the elections promise to be a pivotal moment for African football governance, as power struggles continue to shape the future of the sport on the continent.