Lekjaa Breaks His Silence on the AFCON 2025 Crisis: Morocco Followed the Law and Awaits the CAS Ruling

The fallout from the crisis surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final continues to cast a shadow over African football, amid ongoing tension between Morocco and Senegal, just weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, made clear remarks defending Morocco's position, stressing that all the measures taken were carried out within a purely legal framework and in accordance with the regulations of the Confederation of African Football.

Speaking to the magazine "Onze Mondial", Lekjaa explained that Morocco had hoped for a sporting conclusion worthy of the competition's stature, noting that the atmosphere of the final had remained normal until the very last moments.

He affirmed that the Moroccan institutions had handled the matter with great discipline and responsibility, adding that the Federation had chosen to follow legal procedures without being drawn into any media reactions, despite its reservations about the first-instance ruling.

The football official stressed that the appeal was not directed against the Senegalese national team, but was primarily aimed at ensuring the enforcement of the rules, particularly Articles 82 and 84 of the CAF regulations, maintaining that the truth would ultimately come to light.

Lekjaa also denied all the rumors about Morocco seeking to exert influence within the African Confederation, clarifying that the Kingdom's return to the continental forefront had come about naturally, in line with its footballing standing.

Concluding his remarks, the Federation president reaffirmed Morocco's respect for the upcoming decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), expressing his confidence that the legal path taken would vindicate his country's position.