Doha – CAF President Patrice Motsepe elevated Fouzi Lekjaa to the position of first vice president during the confederation’s executive committee meeting in Ghana on Saturday.
The announcement marks another climb up the continental football ladder for the FRMF president who has steadily expanded his influence in African football governance.
“The nomination of Fouzi Lekjaa as first vice president is part of his remarkable work accomplished over the years,” Motsepe declared at the April 26 gathering.
“This appointment also reflects team unity in Morocco, as well as his commitment to the Moroccan people and to His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” he added.
Motsepe didn’t hold back his expectations, stating that he believes the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Morocco “will be the most successful in the history of this competition.”
The appointment strengthens Morocco’s voice in African football affairs just as the country prepares to host the 2025 AFCON. It follows Lekjaa’s recent re-election to the FIFA Council last month in Cairo, where he secured a commanding 49 out of 52 votes.
Since taking the helm of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation in 2014, Lekjaa has pursued an aggressive strategy to increase Moroccan representation in football’s governing bodies while simultaneously developing domestic infrastructure.
He previously held the position of second vice president at CAF and currently chairs its finance committee.
The 54-year-old administrator continues to juggle his football responsibilities with governmental duties, having served as minister delegate for the budget in the Akhannouch government since October 2021.
Lekjaa’s expanded role within CAF coincides with Morocco’s ambitious football diplomacy agenda, which includes not only the upcoming continental championship but also the joint World Cup 2030 bid alongside Spain and Portugal.
