CHAN: FRMF to apeal CAF’s decision (Lekjaa)

Last updated Mar 6, 2023

The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has announced that he will appeal the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after Morocco’s non-participation in the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The national team of the local team had not been able to participate in the last edition of the CHAN, because Algeria had not opened its airspace to Morocco. Although CAF ruled in favour of Morocco, the body did not point the finger of blame. Fouzi Lekjaa has indicated that he will appeal the decision.

Indeed, CAF’s disciplinary panel met to deliberate on the case submitted to it by the CHAN 2022 Organising Committee, following the non-appearance of the Moroccan team in Algeria for the tournament and the statement made during the CHAN opening ceremony.

In its decision, the disciplinary panel concluded that the FRMF should not be sanctioned, rejecting the Algerian Football Federation’s claim for damages.

On the issue of the statement made during the opening ceremony of the CHAN on 13 January 2023 by Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of the South African leader, Nelson Mandela, CAF considered that “the Algerian Football Federation should not be held vicariously liable, and that the provisions of strict liability could not be foreseen and should not apply after the statement made by Zwelivelile Mandela during the opening ceremony of the CHAN.

Speaking to Radio Mars, Lekjaa said he was ” unsatisfied ” with CAF’s decision, saying it had not mentioned anyone responsible for Morocco’s non-participation and that a call to order for the FAF following the hateful comments made against the Kingdom was not enough.

“We are not satisfied with CAF’s decision and we will appeal. CAF has confirmed that Morocco is not responsible for its non-participation in the CHAN but it did not mention who is responsible,” he said, referring to the African body’s decision not to sanction Algeria.

“It is unreasonable that our team is prevented from defending its title and Moroccan fans are insulted with obscene and racist language at the opening ceremony and in the presence of senior CAF officials while allowing a person without legitimacy to speak. A speech that carries hatred and targets us, and after that these decisions are made,” he continued.

“These are unfair decisions, we will not remain silent and I have contacted our legal advisory body to appeal the decision, and it will be done,” he assured, saying he will not make any concession after being treated unfairly.