Kharja calls Lekjaa the ‘best president’ as Morocco FA succession rumours grow

Houssine Kharja has rejected speculation that he could succeed Fouzi Lekjaa as president of the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), describing the current leader as the best president in the organisation’s history.

The former Morocco captain was asked about the possibility of replacing Lekjaa during an interview with Soccer212, after his name had circulated in recent days as a potential candidate for a senior role at the federation.

Kharja gave an unequivocal response.

“In relation to the presidency of the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football, I have only one thing to say: we currently have the best president the federation has ever known,” he said.

Kharja, who represented the Morocco national team as a midfielder before moving into football administration, is now FIFA’s regional director for the MENA region. He used the interview to praise the work carried out by Lekjaa since he became head of the FRMF.

“Fouzi Lekjaa is someone for whom I have great esteem and deep respect, and with whom I have an excellent relationship. I believe that, to date, he has done remarkable work at the head of the federation, from the youth national teams to the senior side, as well as in women’s football,” Kharja said.

His name had been mentioned in particular while reports and discussion surrounding Lekjaa’s possible political ambitions were circulating. However, rather than presenting himself as a potential successor, Kharja made clear that he wants Lekjaa to continue in the role.

The former Morocco captain, who recently defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid a series of controversies involving the world governing body’s leader, said he hoped Lekjaa would remain in charge.

“He is a passionate person who gives his all to fulfil his mission. I wish him nothing but the best and sincerely hope that he will remain at the head of the federation,” Kharja added.

He strengthened that message by underlining his admiration for Lekjaa’s ability and standing within the game.

“He is someone I value enormously, highly respected and, above all, extremely competent. It is very difficult to find a president capable of carrying out such work,” he said.

Kharja’s comments appear to rule out any immediate ambition to take over from Lekjaa. Instead, they represent a strong public endorsement of the current FRMF president at a time when the federation is overseeing an especially demanding period for Moroccan football.

The organisation continues to manage the progress of the national teams, the development of women’s football and the training of young players. It is also involved in preparations for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will host.

Kharja’s position is therefore clear: despite the succession rumours, he believes that Lekjaa remains the right person to lead the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football.