Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has publicly denied accusations of wielding undue influence within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The allegations, which have circulated in recent weeks, suggested that Lekjaa, who also serves as a CAF executive committee member, used his position to sway decisions in favor of Moroccan football interests.
In a statement released on June 15, 2026, Lekjaa called the claims 'baseless and defamatory,' emphasizing his commitment to transparency and fair governance. 'I have always acted in the best interests of African football, not any single nation,' he said. The denial comes amid heightened scrutiny of CAF's leadership and decision-making processes.
The controversy emerged shortly after Morocco's impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 13, 2026. Some observers linked the team's strong performance to alleged behind-the-scenes maneuvering by Lekjaa, though no evidence has been presented to support such claims.
CAF has not officially commented on the matter, but sources within the organization indicate that no formal investigation has been launched. Lekjaa has reiterated his willingness to cooperate with any review to clear his name.
