FRMF Delays Presidential Election, Lekjaa Remains in Charge Until September

Marrakech – The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) held its extraordinary and ordinary general assemblies on Friday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamora, Salé. The meeting addressed statutory amendments and approved the federation’s moral and financial reports. Yet it did not produce a new president.

According to Le360, the FRMF opted to postpone the presidential election to September. The decision extends Fouzi Lekjaa’s tenure by several months. He has led the federation since April 2014 and will remain in office until the next elective assembly officially designates a president for the coming four-year cycle.

The assembly opened with a verification of the legal quorum. Lekjaa then addressed representatives of Morocco’s football establishment. He framed the meeting as part of the broader reform process the FRMF has pursued in recent years.

Lekjaa expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for what he described as the sovereign’s sustained attention to football and his continued oversight of the sector’s development projects. He noted that this royal engagement constitutes a source of pride for all stakeholders in Moroccan football.

The FRMF president acknowledged the contributions of clubs, regional leagues, coaches, and administrative staff. He declared that Moroccan football has evolved into a comprehensive development project, guided by the king’s vision.

Looking ahead, Lekjaa stressed the importance of continuing institutional reforms to elevate Moroccan football on the global stage. He pointed specifically to the final preparatory phase for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.

Members of the extraordinary general assembly unanimously adopted proposed amendments to the FRMF’s statutes. The changes align with the federation’s ongoing governance modernization drive. The ordinary general assembly then approved the moral and financial reports for the previous fiscal year. A message of loyalty was addressed to King Mohammed VI at the close of proceedings.

The postponement of the election remains the most consequential outcome of the day. Lekjaa is widely regarded as the frontrunner for a fourth term. His candidacy draws on a legal framework established by Law 30.09 on physical education and sports.

The legislation permits a federation president to seek reelection when holding strategic positions within continental or international governing bodies, or when continuity is deemed to serve the national interest.

Lekjaa currently occupies several prominent roles in global football governance. He serves as vice president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and holds a seat on the FIFA Council. These positions have strengthened Morocco’s influence within international football’s decision-making structures.

His tenure has coincided with a period of significant results for Moroccan football, including a historic semifinal run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil, and an under-20 World Cup victory in Chile.

The federation has also been closely involved in major infrastructure preparations ahead of the 2030 World Cup, part of a broader public investment push estimated by the IMF at about MAD 190 billion, equal to 11.9% of 2024 GDP, covering railways, airports, stadiums, roads, and urban upgrades.

The September assembly will determine whether Lekjaa secures another mandate at the helm of the FRMF or leaves the federation’s leadership to another figure, while remaining president of the Morocco 2030 Foundation, the body tasked with overseeing preparations for the global football event.