World Cup 2030, AFCON 2025: Lekjaa Blasts ‘Conspiracy’ Against Morocco

World Cup 2030, AFCON 2025: Lekjaa Blasts ‘Conspiracy’ Against Morocco

 Sampson Adedeji

The President of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has fiercely denounced what he described as a “real conspiracy” aimed at discrediting Morocco’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Appearing before the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives in his capacity as Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, Lekjaa slammed the wave of rumors and misinformation surrounding the country’s hosting readiness, taking what appeared to be a subtle swipe at Algeria.

“Since we’re talking about AFCON, you know who our competitors were. Since then, they’ve tried to cast doubt on our ability to deliver. They spread lies that we kill stray dogs and that our stadiums aren’t ready. Even after we inaugurated the Rabat Stadium, they claimed the photos were fake!” he declared.

His remarks clearly referenced Algeria, which withdrew from the race to host the 2025 AFCON.

Defending Morocco’s Vision for 2030 World Cup

Against the backdrop of ongoing youth protests in the country, Lekjaa emphasized that the 2030 World Cup to be co-hosted with Spain and Portugal is not a luxury project but a national development driver.

“These projects will create jobs and added value for our country. They align with the royal vision of a modern and emerging Morocco, where every dirham invested transforms infrastructure and public services,” he said.

Lekjaa disclosed that half of the 3 billion dirhams (about €280 million) earmarked for the World Cup will go to the National Railway Office (ONCF) to enhance transport links between host cities.

He also condemned what he termed a coordinated smear campaign aimed at undermining Morocco’s credibility.

“We are facing an orchestrated disinformation effort to tarnish Morocco’s image. The boycott calls have no social or economic foundation they are born out of frustration from those who, unable to shine themselves, seek to dim the light of others,” he added.

Amid applause from lawmakers, Lekjaa concluded by calling for unity behind Morocco’s major national projects, insisting that both the 2025 AFCON and 2030 World Cup are “more than just sporting events they are engines of pride and development for all Moroccans.”