Moroccan football official Fozzi Lekjaa has addressed reports of his potential resignation from the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Finance Committee. On Monday, September 9, Lekjaa indirectly denied the rumors but left the door open for a possible withdrawal. He explained that if he were to step down, it would be to allow Morocco to take on more significant roles within other CAF committees, enabling him to continue contributing to the development of African football.
Lekjaa made these comments during a meeting of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. His clarification aims to reshape the narrative that had emerged in previous media reports. Those reports had linked his potential decision to the heavy responsibilities he already shoulders, both in government and in sports. Lekjaa has been a member of the CAF Finance Committee since May 2017 and has played a crucial role in promoting good governance and financial management within the organization.
Several Moroccan and international media outlets had reported between November 6 and 7 that Lekjaa was considering resigning from his position as head of the CAF Finance Committee. They cited the demanding nature of the role, including frequent travel and the management of complex financial files, as reasons for his potential departure. Additionally, Lekjaa's desire to prioritize his responsibilities within Morocco was mentioned. These responsibilities include his ministerial role in the economy and finance, his presidency of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation since 2014, and his central role in Morocco's bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Lekjaa's potential resignation from the Finance Committee does not imply that he will withdraw from CAF's structures. He will retain his position as First Vice-President of the continental football union and remain a member of the FIFA Council. During his tenure as head of the Finance Committee, Lekjaa has contributed to strengthening governance principles, rationalizing expenses, and seeking additional resources to improve CAF's financial situation.
Lekjaa's clarification highlights the strategic aspect of his potential withdrawal. Rather than focusing on personal or administrative aspects, he emphasized the importance of allowing Morocco to enhance its presence in other key CAF committees. This would ensure that Morocco continues to contribute to the management and development of African football from multiple angles.
Lekjaa's statement is consistent with his previous comments, in which he noted that Morocco does not have sufficient representation within CAF committees. His presidency of the Finance Committee was largely due to his professional experience in finance. It appears that Lekjaa's potential reorganization aims to expand Morocco's representation within CAF without undermining his leadership position as First Vice-President.
Lekjaa's comments have provided clarity on his potential withdrawal from the CAF Finance Committee. His focus on strategic reorganization and Morocco's enhanced representation within CAF committees underscores his commitment to Moroccan and African football. The situation will continue to be monitored as further developments emerge.
Key points
- Fozzi Lekjaa addresses reports of his potential resignation from the CAF Finance Committee.
- Lekjaa cites a desire to represent Morocco in other important roles within CAF committees.
- His potential withdrawal does not imply a complete withdrawal from CAF structures.
