Fouzi Lekjaa addresses CAF committee resignation reports and sets date for FRMF elections

Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa has addressed reports surrounding his possible resignation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Finance Committee, while confirming December 12, 2026, as the date for the federation’s next electoral general assembly.

The announcement came during a Board of Directors meeting held at the federation’s headquarters on Monday, November 9, 2026, where members discussed several issues concerning the organisation and development of Moroccan football.

Lekjaa explained that leaving the CAF Finance Committee could form part of efforts to ensure Morocco is represented in other important committees within the continental governing body, allowing the country to continue contributing to the administration and development of African football.

The meeting also covered the country’s domestic competitions, preparations for upcoming elections, refereeing standards and support for women’s football.

Lekjaa explains possible CAF committee departure

Addressing reports about his possible resignation from the CAF Finance Committee, Lekjaa said the move could be necessary to allow Morocco to secure representation in other important committees within the continental organisation.

He highlighted the importance of the recent meetings between FRMF officials and FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF president Patrice Motsepe, held on the sidelines of the African Futsal Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Lekjaa also congratulated King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people on the occasion of Unity Day and the Green March, while acknowledging the diplomatic gains achieved by the Kingdom.

He extended his congratulations to Morocco’s national futsal team following their African Cup of Nations triumph and the beach soccer team after winning the Arab Cup in Egypt.

The FRMF president also wished the two teams success in their upcoming assignments, particularly the beach soccer team’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal and its bid to qualify for the World Cup.

Lekjaa concluded his remarks by stressing the importance of respecting the federation’s statutes and regulations ahead of the forthcoming electoral general assembly.

FRMF confirms December 12 for electoral general assembly

One of the major decisions from Monday’s meeting was the confirmation of December 12, 2026, as the date for the FRMF’s electoral general assembly.

The assembly will begin at 4:00 pm, with December 4 set as the final deadline for submitting nomination applications in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The Board of Directors also approved the minutes of its previous meeting, held on August 3, 2026.

Lekjaa demands greater discipline in professional football

The meeting also featured a presentation from National Professional Football League president Abdel Salam Belkchour on the organisation of domestic competitions during the 2026-27 season.

Belkchour reviewed the progress of the various championships, the challenges facing the league and measures being implemented to improve the organisation of professional football.

In response, Lekjaa called for a new approach to resolving disputes and urged clubs to comply fully with existing laws and regulations.

He also emphasised the need to implement decisions taken by the Monitoring and Management Committee while strengthening governance and transparency across Moroccan football.

On the scheduling of the league and Throne Cup competitions, Lekjaa called for suspension periods to be established in advance.

He further stressed that clubs should receive early notification of competition suspension and resumption dates, as well as match schedules, to allow them to prepare adequately.

Amateur football records progress in digital transformation

Jamal Al-Kaouchi, president of the National Amateur Football League, also presented an update on the organisation of amateur competitions at the beginning of the 2026-27 season.

His presentation covered administrative and organisational developments, as well as initiatives aimed at supporting clubs and improving the management of competitions.

The league highlighted its progress in digital transformation through the wider adoption of electronic match sheets and digital licences.

It also reported that the current sporting season had recorded no financial disputes, which was presented as an indication of improvements in administrative, financial and organisational management.

FRMF targets greater investment in women’s football

Women’s football also featured prominently during the meeting, with National Women’s Football League president Khadija Ella presenting an update on competitions for the 2026-27 season.

Her presentation covered competition schedules, structures, starting and concluding dates, as well as financial grants and rewards allocated to participating clubs.

Lekjaa encouraged the league to make greater use of the newly expanded pitches at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which hosted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, alongside the Moulay Rachid and Larbi Zaouli pitches in Casablanca and the Zarqtouni pitches in Marrakech.

He also called for improved television coverage of women’s league matches, proposing that two games should be broadcast every week to increase the visibility of the competition.

In another development, Lekjaa confirmed the purchase of 24 large buses for the benefit of clubs through the FIFA Forward programme. The buses will be distributed among first and second-division clubs.

He also announced plans to increase financial grants for clubs that win their respective competitions as part of continued efforts to support the development of Moroccan football.

The FRMF president further urged the National Technical Administration to introduce additional training programmes for football executives and coaches.

Moroccan federation seeks improvements in refereeing

Refereeing standards were another subject discussed, with national technical director of refereeing Abdul Rahim Al-Arjoun presenting an update on the state of officiating and preparations for the ongoing season.

He reported that a meeting had been held with referees to discuss challenges and possible measures to improve the country’s refereeing system.

Lekjaa called for greater investment in the development of young referees, particularly in improving their technical and physical abilities to prepare a new generation capable of meeting the demands of modern football.

He also stressed the importance of integrity and professionalism in protecting the reputation of Moroccan football.

The FRMF president urged the authorities to take firm action against behaviour that could damage the image of domestic competitions.

He specifically called on the National Professional Football League to forward reports from clubs containing accusations or allegations concerning refereeing integrity to the Ethics Committee for examination and appropriate decisions.

Lekjaa also emphasised the need to take club protests seriously and maintain communication with teams over their concerns.