Morocco ends bids to host African competitions

Morocco will no longer submit bids to host African football competitions, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, said in an interview with Al Jazeera 360.

“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 hosted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2022 and 2025, losing the finals to South Africa and Nigeria, respectively. The country also hosted the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal in the final.

The match was marked by controversy. Senegal players walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. They returned and won the match.

However, CAF later overturned the result and declared Morocco the winner, citing Senegal’s walk-off. Senegal has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The WAFCON 2026 tournament, originally scheduled for March-April, has been postponed to July 25 – August 16, 2026. CAF cited logistical challenges but reaffirmed Morocco as the host.

Source: AFP