Morocco pulls plug on future CAF hosting bids after AFCON 2025 final drama
Morocco has announced that it will no longer bid to host African football competitions following the controversy and hostility that overshadowed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa.
Despite successfully organizing what many described as one of the most impressive editions of the continent's flagship tournament, Morocco believes the aftermath of the AFCON final left a bitter taste that has prompted a major shift in its approach to hosting African events.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera 360, Lekjaa revealed that the North African nation has decided to step away from future CAF hosting races.
“Starting today (Saturday), Morocco will no longer submit any bids to host African competitions, regardless of their nature. If other countries wish to organize them, we wish them the best,” Lekjaa said.
The FRMF boss explained that Morocco was subjected to what he described as a hate campaign during and after the controversial AFCON final against Senegal on January 18. The tournament finale descended into chaos after Senegal's walk-off, an incident that altered the course of the competition and triggered crowd disturbances, including attempts by some supporters to invade the pitch.
Six months after hosting what has been hailed as the most successful AFCON tournament in CAF history, Morocco has now chosen to withdraw from the race to organize future continental competitions.
Lekjaa rejected claims that Morocco receives special treatment from CAF, insisting that the country simply steps forward to host tournaments that other nations are unwilling or unable to organize.
Addressing criticism from Senegal regarding security arrangements during the competition, the FRMF president maintained that no complaints were raised before the final.
“On the contrary, their federation president even said the stadium was world-class, and everything was perfect,” he stated.
Lekjaa explained that the Senegalese Football Federation had publicly announced the team's arrival time in Rabat, attracting supporters who gathered to welcome them. He noted that this was later cited as evidence of inadequate security protection around the team.
In response to the controversy, Morocco has intensified security measures around stadiums and host cities, reinforcing protection protocols for teams and fans alike.
The FRMF chief also defended Morocco's security reputation, arguing that the country's record is already recognized by international partners and does not require further validation.
He paid tribute to Moroccan supporters for their conduct throughout the tournament, particularly during the tense final against Senegal.
Lekjaa further disclosed that Morocco accommodated several requests from the Senegalese delegation during the competition.
“They complained about the hotel assigned to them by CAF. We changed it for them. The third issue was that they refused to train with the Moroccan national team,” he said.
The federation president also dismissed long-standing allegations that Morocco exerts excessive influence within the Confederation of African Football.
“What influence are you talking about?” Lekjaa asked.
He stressed that Morocco has no employee working directly within CAF and lacks significant representation on the body's committees. According to him, his position as chairman of CAF's finance committee is based solely on his professional expertise in the financial sector rather than any political influence.
Morocco's decision marks a significant development for African football, given the country's recent reputation as one of the continent's most reliable hosts for major sporting events. Whether the stance remains permanent or is revisited in the future could have important implications for CAF's hosting landscape.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
