Lajji reaffirms Morocco's right in Africa Cup final dispute

Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Moroccan Football Federation, reaffirmed his country's commitment to the legal path in the dispute related to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, stressing that Morocco will continue to defend its rights before the relevant authorities.

Fouad Lajji explained in an interview with "Jeune Afrique" that the Moroccan Federation is keen on applying competition regulations and fair play rules, considering that what happened during the final match involved a violation of the rules, after the Senegalese national team players left the pitch during the events of the match.

The president of the Moroccan Football Federation stated that FIFA later made amendments to its regulations to tighten penalties related to such incidents, while also expressing confidence in the legal process and measures taken by Morocco to defend its position.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport session is scheduled for October 8.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is set to hear the case during a session scheduled for October 8, as part of the legal process that the file is undergoing.

Lecja confirmed that the October session does not necessarily mean a final decision will be made regarding the case, explaining that the file may witness additional sessions in the upcoming period before reaching a final resolution.

Morocco insists on its right to host the final of the FIFA World Cup 2030.

The President of the Moroccan Football Federation also touched on the file for hosting the final of the FIFA World Cup 2030, confirming his country's commitment to the rules of FIFA and the procedures adopted by the inspection committees, while emphasizing Morocco's right to compete for hosting the final match.

Fouad Lajji believes that hosting the FIFA World Cup final in Africa for the second time in the tournament's history will be a significant step, as it could represent an opportunity to enhance cultural rapprochement between Africa and Europe and strengthen relations across the Mediterranean.

Morocco's organization of the FIFA World Cup in partnership with Spain and Portugal represents an extension of a long developmental path, highlighting that hosting the tournament will contribute to accelerating the implementation of several infrastructure and transport projects, including the development of the railway network, roads, and airports.

Fouzi Lekjaa believes that the FIFA World Cup 2030 will not just be a sporting event, but an opportunity to support economic growth and create new job opportunities, alongside developing the skills of Moroccan and African youth, and helping startups to grow and transform into more competitive projects.