Moroccan football mourns former federation president Ali Fassi Fihri

Moroccan football is mourning the death of former Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Ali Fassi Fihri, who has died at the age of 71, according to an official statement released by the federation.

Fassi Fihri, who led the FRMF between 2009 and 2013 before being succeeded by current president Fouzi Lekjaa, was remembered as an influential figure in Moroccan football administration and public service.

The federation confirmed his death on Sunday and paid tribute to his contribution to the national game during a period that included several regional successes for Morocco’s national teams.

FRMF pays tribute to former president

In a statement published following the announcement of his death, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation expressed condolences to the family of the former official and to the wider football community.

“Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, on his own behalf and on behalf of all members of the Federation’s Executive Committee, extends his sincerest condolences to the family of the late Ali Fassi Fihri, as well as to all members of the national football community, following this great loss.”

The message reflected the significance of Fassi Fihri’s role within Moroccan football and his place in the federation’s recent history.

His passing has prompted tributes from across the football community as Morocco remembers one of the administrators who oversaw the national federation before the current era under Lekjaa.

Four years at the head of Moroccan football

Ali Fassi Fihri served as president of the FRMF from 2009 until 2013.

During that period, Moroccan football experienced several notable moments at regional level while the national federation continued its efforts to strengthen the sport domestically and internationally.

His presidency coincided with changes within the national team setup, with Morocco appointing three different coaches to lead the Atlas Lions senior side during those years.

Hassan Moumen, Eric Gerets and Rachid Taoussi all managed the Moroccan national team during Fassi Fihri’s tenure.

The period was marked by transition and restructuring as Moroccan football sought to improve performances on the continental and international stage.

Regional successes during his tenure

Although Morocco continued searching for major continental success during those years, the country achieved several important regional titles while Fassi Fihri was in charge of the federation.

The Atlas Lions won the Arab Cup in 2012, one of the key achievements associated with his presidency.

Morocco also enjoyed success at the Francophonie Games in 2012 and later secured victory at the Mediterranean Games in 2013.

Those achievements formed part of the sporting legacy attached to Fassi Fihri’s years leading the federation.

His time in office therefore remains connected to a period in which Moroccan football continued building its presence at regional competitions.

Influence beyond football

Beyond his role in football administration, Ali Fassi Fihri also held important responsibilities in Morocco’s public sector.

He served as director general of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) until 2011.

His involvement across both football and public administration made him a prominent figure within Moroccan institutional life.

During his years at the federation, he was also involved with several Moroccan and international sporting bodies, underlining his influence beyond domestic football alone.

A predecessor to Fouzi Lekjaa

Fassi Fihri’s death also marks the passing of the immediate predecessor to current FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa, who has overseen a major transformation of Moroccan football in recent years.

The federation’s statement highlighted the respect still held for the former president within Moroccan football circles.

يتقدم السيد فوزي لقجع، رئيس الجامعة الملكية المغربية لكرة القدم، أصالة عن نفسه ونيابة عن كافة أعضاء المكتب المديري للجامعة، بأحر التعازي وأصدق مشاعر المواساة إلى أسرة المرحوم علي الفاسي الفهري، وإلى مكونات كرة القدم الوطنية كافة، إثر هذا المصاب الجلل.

وقد سبق للراحل علي الفاسي… pic.twitter.com/FacngRdKbc

— FRMF (@FRMFOFFICIEL) May 10, 2026

His leadership came before a new chapter for the national federation, yet he remained part of the institutional history that shaped the organisation over the past two decades.

For many within Moroccan football, his death represents the loss of a figure closely linked to an important phase in the federation’s development.

Moroccan football community in mourning

News of Fassi Fihri’s death has left Moroccan football reflecting on the contribution of one of its former leaders.

As tributes continue to emerge, attention has focused on the years he dedicated to both the federation and public service in Morocco.

The FRMF’s official message captured the sense of loss felt within the national football community following the death of the former president.

Ali Fassi Fihri leaves behind a legacy tied to Moroccan football administration, regional sporting successes and years of service at the head of one of Africa’s most important football federations.