The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, has addressed recent criticisms regarding Morocco’s standing within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He asserts that if Morocco were indeed operating with significant influence, its achievements in CAF-organized competitions would reflect a stronger record.
Lekjaa emphasized that many of Morocco’s notable accomplishments have taken place in FIFA-sanctioned events rather than in CAF tournaments. He pointed out that the national team has only won the Africa Cup of Nations once, in 1976, and currently has another tournament underway.
“If Morocco really had the influence that some attribute to it within CAF, our continental record would be very different,” he stated. He highlighted successes such as reaching the World Cup semi-finals, the U20 World Cup, and the Arab Cup, all of which were achieved in FIFA competitions.
Lekjaa questioned the notion of Morocco’s supposed influence, asking, “What privileges has CAF granted to Morocco?” His comments aim to clarify his stance amid ongoing discussions about the nation’s role in African football.