Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, has firmly rejected claims suggesting that Morocco holds hidden influence inside the Confederation of African Football.
Speaking during an appearance on the program Maghareb on Al Jazeera 360, Lekjaa dismissed what he described as unfounded rumors surrounding Morocco’s role within CAF’s internal structures.
“What Influence Are You Talking About?”
Lekjaa responded directly to critics who have repeatedly claimed that Morocco enjoys privileged access or strong behind-the-scenes power inside African football’s governing body.
According to him, such accusations do not reflect the real administrative situation inside CAF.
“What influence are you talking about?” Lekjaa asked, rejecting the idea that Morocco controls or directs decisions inside the continental body.
Morocco Has No Employees Inside CAF, Says Lekjaa
The FRMF president stressed that Morocco does not have employees working inside CAF and does not benefit from a major presence across the organization’s various committees.
He argued that the perception of Moroccan dominance has been exaggerated by media narratives and rival interpretations, rather than supported by institutional facts.
The Only “Privilege”: Hosting Tournaments Others Avoid
Lekjaa said the only so-called advantage Morocco receives is the opportunity to organize African competitions that many other countries are reluctant to host.
He explained that staging these tournaments requires major infrastructure, logistics, financial planning and organizational readiness, making Morocco a reliable option when CAF needs a capable host.
Morocco Chairs Only One CAF Committee
Addressing Morocco’s formal position within CAF, Lekjaa revealed that the kingdom chairs only one committee: the Finance Committee.
He clarified that this responsibility was assigned to him because of his professional background and experience in finance, not because of political arrangements or hidden influence.
For Lekjaa, chairing the Finance Committee cannot reasonably be presented as proof of control over CAF or African football decisions.
A Clear Message Against Repeated Accusations
By speaking publicly on the issue, Fouzi Lekjaa aimed to end years of speculation around Morocco’s supposed influence inside CAF.
He insisted that CAF’s committees and governing structures operate within a clear institutional framework, far from the image of Moroccan domination often promoted by critics.
Why Lekjaa’s Statement Matters
The debate comes at a time when Morocco has become one of Africa’s most active football nations, regularly hosting major events and investing heavily in sports infrastructure.
From national team success to major tournament organization, Morocco’s growing football profile has naturally attracted attention across the continent.
However, Lekjaa’s latest remarks seek to separate Morocco’s organizational capacity from accusations of political or administrative influence inside CAF.
Fouzi Lekjaa’s message was direct: Morocco does not control CAF, does not have employees inside the organization, and does not dominate its committees.
According to the FRMF president, the country’s main role is helping African football by hosting competitions that require strong logistics and infrastructure — not exercising hidden power within the continental body.
