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Rabat – Morocco has officially withdrawn its bid to host the CAF Women’s Champions League 2023 in favor of Ivory Coast, reflecting the pan-African spirit in football as well as the two countries’ strong ties.
The President of Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, made the statement today, May 18, on the sidelines of the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting in Algiers, Algeria, according to Morocco’s state-owned National Company of Radio and Television (SNRT).
Lekjaa highlighted the deep, long-standing ties binding Morocco and Ivory Coast as the reason for the withdrawal, stressing that this decision symbolizes the strong relationship and brotherhood between the two countries. By stepping aside and supporting Ivory Coast’s bid, Morocco aims to strengthen cooperation and collaboration within the realm of African football, he argued.
Morocco’s decision marks a significant development in the process of determining the host country for the CAF Women’s Champions League 2023, with Morocco’s backing making Ivory Coast a front runner in the race to secure the hosting rights of the continental tournament.
The FRMF president noted that this gesture serves as an opportunity for the FRMF to provide support and assistance to the Ivorian Football Federation in successfully hosting the Africa Cup of Nations finals, which is scheduled to kick off in January 2024 in Ivory Coast.
The CAF Executive Committee meeting was chaired by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
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According to CAF’s press release, the Executive Committee discussed a number of matters on the agenda, including the dates and format of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, bids for the CAF Women’s Champions League 2023, and Coaching/Development Courses that will be rolled-out in Member Associations in line with CAF’s commitment to football development in Africa.
The Moroccan cities of Rabat and Mararkech hosted the second edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2022.
During the tournament’s finals, Morocco’s AS FAR were crowned champions after defeating South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 4-0.
