Morocco Football Federation denies explosive claims of Fouzi Lekjaa exit

Speculation surrounding the future of Fouzi Lekjaa at the helm of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has intensified in recent days, prompting an official response from sources close to the organisation.

Reports circulating in Morocco had suggested that Lekjaa, whose current term is due to end this year, could be preparing to leave his position as president of the federation.

The claims quickly drew attention across the country’s sporting landscape, with observers questioning whether leadership changes might soon occur within the governing body of Moroccan football.

According to the rumours, Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid had been mentioned as a possible successor.

Bensaid serves in the Moroccan government alongside Lekjaa, who also holds the role of Minister Delegate in charge of the budget.

However, sources inside the federation have firmly rejected the speculation.

Speaking to Le360 Sport, a source described the reports as “fake news,” insisting that there is currently no electoral process underway within the federation.

“These rumors are completely unfounded,” the source said, adding that there are no plans for a leadership vote during the upcoming meeting of the federation.

The source also clarified that the next General Assembly will not involve any election procedures.

Instead, the session is expected to focus on routine matters related to the organisation’s administration.

“The agenda will primarily include the presentation and adoption of the federation’s moral and financial reports. No vote regarding the presidency of the body is scheduled during this session.”

Officials also warned that the spread of inaccurate information could mislead the public regarding how national sporting institutions operate.

The same source criticised the circulation of what they described as disinformation that is “likely to mislead public opinion about the functioning of national sports institutions”.

Possibility of another term

Under Moroccan sports legislation, specifically Law 30.09 governing the mandates of the federation’s leadership, the president’s term can be extended under certain circumstances.

These exceptions apply when the president’s position in an international football body is linked to their national role or when their leadership is considered strategically important for the country.

Lekjaa currently holds influential roles in international football.

He serves as vice-president of the Confederation of African Football and is also a member of the FIFA Council.

Because of these responsibilities, he remains eligible to seek another term should he choose to stand again.

For now, federation sources insist that the reports of an imminent departure are inaccurate, while the focus remains on the upcoming General Assembly and the federation’s administrative agenda.