Fouzi Lekjaa Rules Out Head of the Government Role, Vows to Pursue Morocco’s AFCON Case

Rabat – Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa has dismissed speculation that he could become Morocco’s next head of the government while reaffirming his determination to pursue the country’s case over the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal.

Speaking to Jeune Afrique in an interview published Monday, Lekjaa addressed growing political speculation surrounding his recent entry into the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), as well as several of the most closely watched issues in Moroccan football.

Regarding the possibility of becoming head of government after Morocco’s September 23 legislative elections, Lekjaa said the position had never been part of his plans.

“Head of the government? I have never thought about it,” he said, according to Jeune Afrique.

Lekjaa added that his immediate focus was the electoral process, saying, “I have a mission that ends on September 23.”

His comments come after months of speculation surrounding his political future. Lekjaa, who is also Morocco’s Minister Delegate for the Budget, joined the PAM this year and entered its political bureau, fueling expectations that he could play a larger role in the country’s political landscape. Jeune Afrique described the interview as his response to questions surrounding both his political ambitions and his role in Moroccan football.

Lekjaa maintains Morocco’s AFCON position.

The FRMF president also addressed the controversy surrounding the 2025 AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal.

Senegal initially won the final 1-0 after extra time through Pape Gueye, following a chaotic end to regulation time that included a temporary walk-off by Senegal’s players after a penalty was awarded to Morocco.

Morocco subsequently challenged the handling of the incident through the legal and disciplinary channels.

Lekjaa said Morocco would continue defending its position before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing that the case should be assessed through the regulations governing the competition rather than through considerations outside football.

He particularly pointed to the decision by Senegal’s players and technical staff to leave the pitch during the final, saying the incident should be examined under the applicable competition regulations.

The dispute has already gone beyond the original result on the pitch. CAF’s appeal process later ruled in Morocco’s favor, while the case has continued to generate legal uncertainty and is now heading toward the CAS process. A recent report said October 8 would be an important date in the proceedings, but that it should not necessarily be interpreted as the date on which CAS will issue its final ruling.

Lekjaa stressed that Morocco intends to take the case “to the end,” reinforcing his earlier position that the federation will continue using the available legal mechanisms.

Morocco wants 2030 World Cup final

Lekjaa also discussed Morocco’s ambitions for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

The FRMF president reiterated Morocco’s desire to host the tournament’s final, an ambition that has become increasingly prominent as preparations for the competition advance.

Morocco is planning to host matches at several upgraded stadiums, including the future Grand Stade Hassan II near Casablanca. The venue has been presented as a potential candidate for major matches during the tournament.

However, the race for the final remains open. Spain has also expressed ambitions to host the showpiece match, meaning the final venue will ultimately depend on the process established by FIFA and the three host countries.

Lekjaa argued that Africa deserves the opportunity to stage the final of the 2030 World Cup.

The comments come after he previously promoted Morocco’s case for the match, including references to the planned Grand Stade Hassan II. The issue has also generated public discussion among the tournament’s co-hosts.

Support for Infantino

Lekjaa further defended his support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The Moroccan official said his backing was linked to his vision of football as a tool capable of bringing countries and societies closer together. At the same time, he stressed the importance of improving governance, transparency, and balance within international football institutions.

Lekjaa has developed a close working relationship with Infantino during his years at the head of Moroccan football, while Morocco has increasingly positioned itself as an influential player within African and international football.

His latest comments therefore come at an important moment for both his sporting and political roles.

With parliamentary elections approaching and Morocco continuing preparations for the 2030 World Cup, Lekjaa is increasingly operating at the intersection of football, public policy, and politics.

For now, however, he has sought to draw a line under speculation about his political ambitions.

His message is that the immediate priorities remain the September 23 elections, Morocco’s legal battle over the AFCON final, and the country’s preparations for its next major football milestones.

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