Lekjaa dismisses claims of Moroccan influence in CAF, defends country’s football record

Morocco Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa has strongly rejected claims that Morocco enjoys undue influence within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), insisting that the country’s achievements on the continental and global stage have been earned through hard work rather than preferential treatment.

Speaking amid ongoing debates about Morocco’s growing prominence in African football, Lekjaa questioned the basis of accusations that the North African nation benefits from special privileges within CAF.

“If I had influence, we wouldn’t have only won two Africa Cup of Nations titles – one in 1976 and the other still in progress,” Lekjaa said, referring to Morocco’s sole completed AFCON triumph nearly five decades ago and the country’s ongoing pursuit of another continental crown.

The CAF Executive Committee member argued that Morocco’s most significant football accomplishments have come in competitions organized by FIFA rather than CAF, challenging critics who suggest the federation wields excessive power within African football’s governing body.

“Even the achievements we made, like reaching the World Cup semi-finals, winning the U-20 World Cup, and the Arab Cup – those are FIFA competitions, not CAF ones,” he stated.

Lekjaa’s comments come as Morocco continues to enjoy unprecedented success on the international stage. The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup during their historic run in Qatar in 2022, a feat widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in African football history.

Morocco has also enjoyed success at youth level and has become one of the continent’s leading football nations, investing heavily in infrastructure, talent development and the professionalization of its domestic game.

Despite those achievements, the country has often faced accusations from rival supporters and officials who believe Morocco’s growing influence within football administration has translated into advantages in CAF competitions and decision-making processes.

Lekjaa, however, dismissed those claims, arguing that Morocco’s trophy cabinet does not support the narrative of a nation benefiting from preferential treatment.

“So where is this supposed influence? Where are the privileges CAF supposedly gave us?” he asked.

The federation chief also defended Morocco’s role as a frequent host of major African football events, saying the country has often stepped in to assist CAF when other nations were unable or unwilling to organize tournaments.

“The only thing CAF has given us is hosting competitions that no one else wanted, and we organized them just to help CAF,” Lekjaa added.

Morocco has hosted numerous CAF tournaments in recent years, including youth championships, women’s competitions and club events. The country has earned praise for its modern stadiums, training facilities and organizational capabilities, making it one of CAF’s most reliable partners when last-minute hosting solutions have been required.

Lekjaa’s latest remarks are likely to spark fresh debate across the continent, particularly among supporters and officials who remain divided over Morocco’s growing influence both on and off the pitch.

With the country preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal and continuing to establish itself as a major force in global football, discussions surrounding Morocco’s role within African football are unlikely to fade anytime soon.

For Lekjaa, however, the evidence is clear: Morocco’s success has been built on investment, planning and performance rather than any special treatment from CAF.