Fouzi Lekjaa, Moroccan football's strongman, enters politics and sparks debate

Fouzi Lekjaa, the influential president of the Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF) and a key figure behind the country's footballing success, has made a significant leap into the political arena. His entry into the liberal Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has intensified the electoral atmosphere just two months before Morocco's legislative elections.

Lekjaa, who also serves as the Minister Delegate for the Budget, joins the PAM, a party founded in 2008 and a member of the current ruling coalition. His appointment to lead the organizing committee for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, has significantly boosted his public profile. He also holds positions within FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Fatima Zahra Mansouri, the collective leadership coordinator for the PAM, stated that Lekjaa's inclusion in the party's political bureau was due to his "competence, popularity, and citizen spirit." His move has shaken the Moroccan political landscape, particularly amid predictions of high voter abstention due to youth disinterest in official politics.

Analysts and social media users have speculated that Lekjaa's popularity and achievements in football could position him to lead the government, especially with the upcoming 2030 World Cup. However, critics suggest his move is a strategic maneuver by parties to attract influential personalities rather than bolster their political platforms.

Since becoming FRMF president in 2014, Lekjaa has overseen a major restructuring of Moroccan football, including professionalizing the national league, investing in sports infrastructure, and developing youth talent. Under his leadership, the national team reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a historic achievement for an African nation. His influence has also been felt at the club level, with his hometown team, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane, experiencing significant growth.

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competence, popularity, and citizen spirit