Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s powerbroker reshaping African football and the global game | OneFootball

Fouzi Lekjaa has become African football’s powerbroker over the past decade. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation president, close to Gianni Infantino and Patrice Motsepe, has driven Morocco to a continental title awarded off the pitch at Senegal’s expense and pending CAS, according to L'Équipe.

Aged 55 and in charge since 2014, the middle class graduate is also deputy minister for the budget and a devoted Barça fan. He hopes to lift the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted with Spain and Portugal, and is seen as someone who usually gets what he wants.

He has added around 100 synthetic pitches, new lighting and the Mohammed VI Academy, then expanded training and dual-national scouting in Europe. Admirers call him efficient and galvanising, critics say he is hard and abrasive. He has faced claims of slapping a referee and nearly fought Sidy Diallo in Abidjan before a 2018 World Cup qualifier, and Motsepe once rebuked him in a meeting.

He helped clear Motsepe’s path to the CAF presidency after rivals accepted roles in Rabat. Morocco has hosted CAF seminars, sent trainers, given its FIFA allocation to struggling federations and staged women’s events, with three consecutive editions planned, while sheltering teams lacking approved stadiums. He is CAF’s first vice president.

His reach at home is clear. Berkane, the club he once led, rose to win the league and multiple CAF Confederation Cups, while some fans allege undue sway over referees. Many fear him because they rely on his financial muscle.

Qatar 2022 boosted his model and stature. He pushed a global rule change on dual nationals that enabled Munir El Haddadi to join Morocco despite 13 minutes for Spain. He has prioritised local firms, courted media as soft power and hired Havas, and now aims to land the 2030 final in a 115,000-seat arena near Casablanca.

Source: L'Équipe