Lekjaa: Morocco Will No Longer Submit Bids to Host African Competitions

Rabat – The President of Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, said in an interview that Morocco will no longer submit bids to host African competitions.

“Starting today, Morocco will no longer submit any bids to host African competitions, regardless of their nature. If other countries wish to organize them, we wish them the best,” Lekjaa said in his new interview with Al Jazeera 360.

Lekjaa denied privileges or advantages, stating that what they describe as advantages consists of hosting competitions that no other country wants to organize.

The FRMF President also addressed various topics, including the controversial AFCON final against Senegal.

Morocco endured shocking events and a hate campaign during and following the AFCON final against Senegal on January 18. The event unfolded following Senegal’s walk-off, which changed the course of the tournament. The walk-off, triggered by Pape Thiaw, sparked vandalism, with Senegalese fans attempting to storm the pitch and hooliganism.

Now, six months since the most successful tournament in CAF history, Morocco has decided it is no longer interested in hosting a tournament for the continent.

Addressing the AFCON controversies, Lekjaa also answered questions regarding Senegal’s criticism over security during the tournament.

Lekjaa said Senegal never complained about anything before the AFCON final.

“On the contrary, their federation president even said the stadium was world-class, and everything was perfect,” Lekjaa said.

Lekjaa said the Senegalese federation issued a communiqué in which they announced their team would arrive in Rabat at a certain time, which triggered fans to come to cheer for them.

This led to fans surrounding the team, with the Senegalese federation claiming there was a lack of security to protect their team.

Morocco, however, has launched a strong campaign strengthening security protection around all stadiums and host cities to ensure protection for both teams and fans.

Lekjaa said Morocco’s security does not need praise, as the country already has a strong reputation among international partners who recognize the country’s strengths.

He also paid tribute to Moroccan fans who showed wisdom, especially during the final against Senegal.

He recalled Senegal’s complaints against their hotel, which was assigned to them by CAF.

“We changed it for them. The third issue was that they refused to train with the Moroccan national team,” he added.

What influence?

Lekjaa firmly denied claims that suggest Morocco exerts “disproportionate influence” within the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

He emphasized that Morocco has no single employee within the federation and no effective representation in its committees.

“What influence are you talking about?” he continued, saying that his role as head of CAF’s finance committee was given to him due to his professional background in the sector.