The art of sports diplomacy in Morocco
A symphony led by Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa towards CAN 2023
The power of sports diplomacy lies in its ability to transcend borders, forge national identities and forge international links. In an era marked by conflict and high stakes, sport is becoming a universal language, and Morocco is emerging as a remarkable example of success in this arena, masterfully orchestrated by the visionary Fouzi Lekjaa.
Since his appointment as President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in 2014, Fouzi Lekjaa has proved to be the mastermind behind an extraordinary transformation of the Moroccan soccer landscape. Under his leadership and in less than 10 years, the men's national team dazzled the world by reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2022, an unprecedented achievement for an African team.
Lekjaa's influence extends beyond the pitch
- As the first Moroccan to sit on the FIFA Council and the second vice-president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), he has elevated Morocco among the elite of world soccer.
- His recent appointment to head the committee in charge of Morocco's bid for the 2030 World Cup, in partnership with Spain and Portugal, demonstrates the confidence HM the King, may God assist him, has in his ability to hoist the Moroccan flag to the top of the world.
What's fascinating about Fouzi Lekjaa is his ability to transcend the realm of sport, as his strategic role at the head of the Moroccan state budget testifies to his versatility. He skilfully juggles his involvement in the kingdom's crucial financial affairs with his dedication to making Morocco a world footballing beacon, making him a vehicle for transparency.
The parallels between Morocco's sporting diplomatic success and Lekjaa's vision are striking. He has turned sport into an instrument for promoting the country's image, a catalyst for a proud and innovative national identity. The women's national team, in its first World Cup appearance, reached the Round of 16, creating a new narrative in Arab soccer.
Despite Algerian propaganda, science-fiction stories and dozens of articles paid for by Algiers, Fouzi Lekjaa embodies Morocco's resilience against a pained neighbor. His ability to overcome adversity, whether on the pitch or in the political arena, makes him an emblematic figure of Moroccan determination.
As a supporter of the national team, I would say that the bold suggestion to bring the African Cup of Nations (CAN) in 2023 back to the Royal Palace represents a new challenge to be met, but above all an opportunity to be seized. From now on, it will undoubtedly be necessary to move away from propaganda and not be intimidated by potential critics.
It's time for conviction.
In conclusion, Morocco's success in sports diplomacy, under the leadership of Fouzi Lekjaa, is a symphony of excellence. He is the conductor of a wave that transcends the stadiums to frighten the corridors of the Algerian military. Morocco, buoyed by this wave of success, stands as an inspiring example of what sports diplomacy can achieve, uniting African peoples and projecting a nation towards new horizons.
Mehdi EL KAROUANI
@karouani_M