The Confederation of African Football (CAF) appointed Moroccan Fouzi Lekjaa as its First Vice-President on April 25, 2025, during an executive committee meeting in Cairo, marking a significant milestone in African football governance.
Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) since 2014, succeeds Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick, who stepped down after his term. The appointment, unanimously approved by CAF’s leadership, reflects Lekjaa’s growing influence in global football, particularly after Morocco’s successful co-hosting of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and its role in the 2030 FIFA World Cup bid alongside Spain and Portugal.
Lekjaa, also a FIFA Council member and president of Morocco’s Botola Pro League, has been credited with transforming Moroccan football through investments in infrastructure, youth academies, and women’s football. CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised Lekjaa’s “visionary leadership” and his contributions to elevating African football’s global profile.
The role of First Vice-President involves overseeing strategic initiatives, including the expansion of CAF’s competitions and anti-corruption measures. Lekjaa’s appointment has sparked optimism among African football stakeholders, with many expecting him to push for greater investment in grassroots programs and refereeing standards. However, some critics raised concerns about regional power dynamics, noting Morocco’s increasing dominance in CAF’s decision-making. Lekjaa pledged to work collaboratively to unite African football and enhance its competitiveness on the world stage.