Morocco has no special influence in CAF, says FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa

Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa has dismissed suggestions that Morocco wields significant influence within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), insisting that the country has little representation within African football’s governing body.

Speaking during an interview on Al Jazeera 360’s program “Maghareb,” Lekjaa rejected claims that Morocco enjoys a privileged position inside CAF, describing such allegations as inaccurate and unsupported by the facts.

Lekjaa Rejects Claims of Moroccan Control

According to Lekjaa, Morocco does not hold positions across CAF’s administrative structures and is not represented in the confederation’s various committees.

“Morocco does not have a single employee within CAF, nor does it have any representation in its various committees,” Lekjaa said.

The FRMF president questioned why Morocco is frequently accused of exercising influence within African football, arguing that the country’s involvement often revolves around hosting competitions that other nations are unwilling to stage.

“What influence are you talking about? The advantages CAF has given us in exchange for this alleged influence are that Morocco hosts tournaments that no one else wants to organise,” he added.

Finance Committee Role Explained

Addressing Morocco’s presence within CAF structures, Lekjaa explained that the country chairs only one committee, the Finance Committee, a responsibility he said was assigned to him because of his professional expertise in financial management rather than any political influence.

“Morocco chairs only one committee, the Finance Committee, which was assigned to me because of my professional experience in finance. If this is considered influence, then even this committee does not qualify for such a description,” he said.

FRMF Chief Reiterates Morocco’s Position

Lekjaa concluded by reiterating that Morocco does not participate in the management of CAF committees and does not have representation across the confederation’s decision-making bodies.

His remarks come amid continuing discussions within African football regarding Morocco’s growing role as a host nation for major continental and international tournaments, a role the FRMF chief maintains should not be confused with institutional influence within CAF.