Senegalese Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall has held landmark talks with his Moroccan counterpart, Fouzi Lekjaa, as the two nations prepare to launch a joint project aimed at advancing football development across Africa.
The meeting, held on Friday in Rabat, coincided with a symbolic fixture between Morocco and Senegal, underscoring the spirit of cooperation driving this new initiative. For Fall, newly elected to lead the FSF, the visit marked his first international engagement, signalling a clear commitment to fostering diplomatic and sporting ties.
Welcomed with ceremony and cordiality, Fall was hosted at the headquarters of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Discussions centred on key areas where Morocco has set a continental benchmark – particularly in infrastructure development, elite training facilities, and the organisation of major sporting events.
Over recent years, Morocco’s state-of-the-art stadiums, modern academies, and proven logistical capabilities have earned praise from both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.
At the core of the talks was the blueprint for a wide-ranging Senegalese-Moroccan collaboration. The proposed partnership would see the two federations share technical expertise, strengthen institutional links, and coordinate logistical planning for major footballing programmes.
Plans under consideration include the establishment of joint training centres, regular exchanges of coaches and youth players, and a structured programme of shared training camps.
The agreement would also encourage friendly matches between national teams and clubs from both countries, fostering competitive growth while deepening bilateral ties.
The timing of this initiative is particularly significant. Morocco is preparing to host the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in December 2025 and will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Senegal, fresh from recent continental successes, sees the collaboration as an opportunity to adapt proven strategies to its own national football framework.
For Fall, the visit was more than a courtesy call; it was a statement of intent. By aligning with Morocco, Senegal aims to accelerate the modernisation of its football infrastructure, bolster youth development, and improve competitive readiness on the global stage.
Lekjaa, whose tenure at the FRMF has been marked by ambitious projects and successful tournament hosting, welcomed the partnership as a step toward a stronger, united African football presence. Both leaders emphasised that their cooperation would not only yield domestic benefits but also serve as a model for regional solidarity.
Beyond the pitch, the agreement reflects a growing trend of sports diplomacy on the continent, where football is increasingly leveraged as a tool for political goodwill, economic exchange, and cultural connection.
By pooling resources and expertise, Senegal and Morocco aim to amplify Africa’s voice in international football governance and ensure the continent plays a more influential role in shaping the sport’s future.
With planning already underway, the project is expected to take shape in the months ahead, positioning both nations at the forefront of a new era in African football collaboration.
