FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa welcomes FIFA Forward Enterprise withdrawal

Morocco has welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise project, with Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa describing the move as an important step towards preserving unity within world football.

Lekjaa’s reaction follows similar comments from Mauritanian Football Federation president Ahmed Yahya, who also expressed support for FIFA’s decision to abandon the proposal.

The withdrawal of the project comes after debate within the international football community, with several member associations voicing concerns over the initiative.

In his statement, Lekjaa said the decision to withdraw the proposal would help strengthen dialogue and maintain cohesion among FIFA’s member associations.

The FRMF president also pointed to the positive impact of FIFA’s existing development programmes, particularly the FIFA Forward programme, which he believes has contributed significantly to the growth of football in many countries.

According to Lekjaa, these initiatives have provided valuable support to national federations, especially across Africa, where development funding has played an important role in improving football infrastructure and administration.

He stressed that preserving these programmes remains essential for the continued progress of the game.

The Moroccan football chief also argued that unity should remain the priority whenever major decisions affecting the global football community are considered.

In his view, withdrawing the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal was a sensible decision that supports cooperation between football associations rather than division.

Lekjaa described the move as a “wise” decision, saying it encourages a participatory approach while reinforcing a collective commitment to the development of football.

His comments echoed those of Mauritanian Football Federation president Ahmed Yahya, who had earlier welcomed the proposal’s withdrawal.

Yahya also viewed the decision as one that would help preserve dialogue and strengthen relationships among FIFA’s member associations.

The statements from both Morocco and Mauritania reflect support for FIFA’s decision to step back from the proposed project in favour of maintaining consensus within the international football community.

While the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal will not move forward, Morocco has underlined the importance of continuing to build on existing FIFA development programmes, which it considers central to supporting national federations and promoting the long-term growth of football across the world.