Morocco has announced a surprise withdrawal from future bidding processes to host Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions, a move that could reshape the landscape of football hosting across the continent.
The declaration was made by Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa during an interview with Al Jazeera 360, where he revealed that Morocco would no longer submit bids for CAF tournaments regardless of their size or category.
“Starting today, Morocco will no longer submit any bids to host African competitions, regardless of their nature. If other countries wish to organise them, we wish them the best,” Lekjaa said.
Morocco has announced it will no longer bid to host CAF competitions, with FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa saying the country has done its part for African football amid criticism over its growing influence.
Morocco has frequently stepped in to stage continental competitions, often at short notice, helping CAF navigate logistical challenges when original hosts were unable to fulfil their commitments. Its modern infrastructure, stadium development projects and organisational capacity have made the North African nation a preferred destination for several major tournaments.
However, that growing prominence has also attracted criticism from some quarters of African football.
Questions have periodically been raised about Morocco’s influence within CAF and whether the country enjoys an outsized role in the administration of the continental game.
Lekjaa strongly rejected those claims, arguing that Morocco’s involvement has been driven by a commitment to African football rather than any special influence within CAF’s structures.
According to the federation chief, Morocco has often accepted hosting responsibilities when other countries were either unwilling or unable to organise tournaments.
He also dismissed suggestions that Morocco exerts undue control over CAF decision making, noting that the country’s representation across key operational committees is limited.
Lekjaa further explained that his position as chairman of CAF’s Finance Committee stems from professional expertise rather than national advantage.
The timing of the announcement is particularly significant given Morocco’s expanding role in world football.
While stepping away from future CAF hosting bids, the country remains at the centre of several major international projects. Morocco is preparing to host the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and will also co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, becoming the second African nation after South Africa to stage football’s biggest tournament.
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The decision could open the door for other African countries seeking opportunities to host CAF competitions.
Nations that have previously struggled to secure hosting rights may now find a clearer pathway to staging major continental events as CAF looks beyond one of its most dependable hosts.
The development could also benefit countries investing heavily in sports infrastructure, with several federations expected to position themselves for future bids.
Among them is Nigeria, which is expected to host the next CAF Awards ceremony as part of its continued efforts to strengthen its role within African football.
Despite withdrawing from future hosting races, Lekjaa insisted Morocco’s commitment to the development of football across Africa remains unchanged.
