Fouzi Lekjaa Dominates FIFA Elections and Retains His Executive Committee Seat
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As previously anticipated, Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, has successfully retained his seat in the FIFA Executive Committee for the second consecutive term following the recent elections. This outcome highlights Morocco's growing influence on the African and international football scene and underscores Lekjaa's expanding authority within FIFA and CAF.
Landslide Electoral Victory
The elections saw the participation of 53 members, with Fouzi Lekjaa securing 49 votes—an unprecedented figure in the history of CAF elections. This overwhelming victory reflects the immense confidence that African nations have in Lekjaa and strengthens Morocco’s status as a key player in continental football.
Out of the 53 votes, three did not go to Lekjaa: one was annulled, and two others abstained from supporting the Moroccan candidate. Nevertheless, the 49 votes represent an unprecedented landslide, solidifying Lekjaa as a formidable figure in African and global football governance.
Biggest Loser: Patrice Motsepe
One of the major losers in this election is Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Motsepe backed candidates who failed to gain significant support, weakening his influence within CAF and raising questions about his future leadership. Despite being re-elected as CAF President, his performance in the FIFA elections revealed a considerable decline in his stature.
Some of the key candidates supported by Motsepe who suffered defeat include:
Zambian candidate Kamanga: Managed to secure only 18 votes.
Nigerian Amaju Pinnick: Failed to win a seat in the FIFA Executive Committee despite Nigeria's strong football standing.
Successful Alliances: The Key to Lekjaa’s Victory
One of the primary factors behind Fouzi Lekjaa's victory was his strong alliances with influential figures in African football, such as:
Hany Abou Rida (Egypt): Secured 35 votes, demonstrating the strength of the Morocco-Egypt alliance within CAF and FIFA.
Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania): Played a crucial role in rallying support for Lekjaa and enjoys close ties with the Moroccan federation.
What This Means for Morocco
This victory grants Morocco greater influence within FIFA, enhancing its chances of:
Hosting major sporting events such as the 2030 World Cup in partnership with Spain and Portugal.
Impacting key decisions within CAF and FIFA.
Continuing the development of Moroccan and African football.
Political and Football Implications of This Victory
These elections sent a clear message to rivals and competitors that Morocco is now a force to be reckoned with in the football world. Lekjaa's landslide victory reflects the strength of Morocco’s sports diplomacy and proves that strategic alliances can shift power dynamics.
Additionally, Lekjaa’s triumph puts CAF in a challenging position, especially given the declining influence of traditional figures like Patrice Motsepe. This could pave the way for future changes, potentially leading to Lekjaa’s candidacy for the CAF presidency.
Fouzi Lekjaa’s success in the FIFA elections marks a historic moment for Morocco’s role as a key player in African and global football governance. This victory highlights Morocco’s progress in establishing itself within major football organizations and cements Lekjaa’s status as one of the most influential figures in the sport.
With these results, one question remains: Could we see Fouzi Lekjaa as CAF President in the future? All indications suggest that this is a strong possibility, potentially ushering in a new era of African football under Moroccan leadership.
