The absence of Fouzi Lekjaa, the First Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), at a decisive Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting today has sparked intense speculation regarding a deepening rift within the continent’s football governing body.
The high-stakes gathering, held this Friday, February 13, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, was specifically convened by CAF President Patrice Motsepe to address the fallout from the recently concluded 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Lekjaa, who is widely considered one of the most influential figures in African football, was expected to play a central role in the discussions, particularly given his status as the head of the host federation for the 2025 tournament.
Reports emerging from the Hyatt Regency in Dar es Salaam suggest that Lekjaa’s absence may be part of a coordinated boycott.
Several EXCO members have reportedly expressed “frustration and anger” over a lack of transparency from the CAF General Secretariat. It is alleged that Secretary-General Veron Mosengo-Omba declined to share the meeting’s formal agenda with members beforehand, citing concerns over potential information leaks.
This atmosphere of secrecy has led to at least six members, including influential figures from Algeria and Egypt, choosing to skip the physical meeting in favor of remote participation or outright absence.
The meeting was intended to serve as a “judicial overhaul” for CAF, with Motsepe pushing for a significant tightening of the disciplinary code. This move follows controversial scenes during the 2025 AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal, where officiating disputes and team conduct drew global scrutiny.
Lekjaa’s absence is seen by observers as a potential sign of his resistance to these proposed legal crackdowns, which could target federation heads and host nations.
Furthermore, the committee was set to discuss the future of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), amid conflicting reports that Morocco may be seeking to postpone or withdraw from its hosting duties.
With no official explanation provided for Lekjaa’s non-attendance, the development has raised serious questions about the internal cohesion of CAF as it prepares for the 2027 AFCON in East Africa.
