Who is Fouzi Lekjaa? The football chief tipped as Morocco's next PM

Morocco's football chief Fouzi Lekjaa has taken his clearest step yet into frontline politics, joining one of the country's largest political parties just weeks before parliamentary elections in a move that has fuelled speculation he could one day become prime minister.

Lekjaa, the influential president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has joined the monarchist, socially liberal Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), a decision widely viewed as one of the most significant political developments ahead of Morocco's general election in September.

While no formal nomination has been announced, the move has intensified speculation that Lekjaa is positioning himself for a future bid to lead the government.

Since 2021, he has served as Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget in Prime Minister Aziz Akhanouch’s government, overseeing the country's budget, public spending and fiscal policy under the Minister of Economy and Finance.

Before entering government, Lekjaa served as Director General of Morocco's Tax Administration, where he oversaw tax collection and fiscal reforms.

His decision to join PAM was confirmed by the party's secretary-general, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, during the opening session of its National Council on Saturday.

El Mansouri said the party had committed since its last congress to remaining "open to local, regional and national talent".

What does Lekjaa’s move mean for his political career?

Outside politics, Lekjaa is widely credited with transforming Moroccan football since becoming president of the FRMF in 2014, overseeing the national team's rise from years of decline into one of Africa's strongest sides.

His tenure has been marked by greater investment in coaching, youth development and the domestic league, alongside an aggressive effort to recruit dual-national players for the national team.

He also oversaw major investment in sporting infrastructure, including the Mohammed V Football Complex, now regarded as one of Africa's most advanced football facilities.

Beyond Morocco, Lekjaa has built considerable influence within world football as a member of the FIFA Council and vice-president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He also played a leading role in securing Morocco's successful bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

Rumours that Lekjaa would formally enter party politics had circulated for months ahead of the 23 September elections. His decision to join PAM, the second-largest party in parliament with 86 seats in the House of Representatives, has only intensified those expectations.

Mohamed Chtatou, a professor at Mohammed V University, said the move had "fundamentally shifted the balance of the Moroccan political landscape".

"Many observers view him as a potential future head of government, particularly with a view to spearheading the massive national undertaking involved in hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup," he told The New Arab.

"This scenario extends far beyond the realm of sports. It prompts reflection on the type of leadership Morocco might need to simultaneously manage the major infrastructure projects, economic reforms, inter-ministerial coordination and international diplomacy required for a global mega-event," he added.

Chtatou said Lekjaa's technocratic background, experience managing public finances and central role in Morocco's World Cup preparations had strengthened perceptions that he could eventually lead the government.

If appointed, Lekjaa would be responsible for coordinating ministries, managing public finances, working with international partners and overseeing hundreds of infrastructure projects linked to the tournament.

That would include ensuring stadiums are completed on schedule, accelerating transport projects, expanding airport and hotel capacity, coordinating security arrangements and working closely with Spain, Portugal and FIFA. He would also be tasked with balancing public spending, attracting private investment, creating jobs and strengthening Morocco's international profile.

But Chtatou cautioned that leading a government would require far more than experience in football administration and economic management.

"The position also entails political, social and parliamentary trade-offs that extend well beyond the realms of sports and financial management," he said.

Mohammed Gharbi, a political analyst, also urged caution, saying it remained "too premature" to predict the outcome of September's election or Lekjaa's future role.

He noted that PAM had also entered the 2016 election widely expected to emerge as the largest party, only to be overtaken by the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), which secured a second consecutive victory and enabled Saadeddine El Othmani to become prime minister.

"Based on these facts and developments - and considering the major immediate and future challenges and expectations facing the Moroccan state and people, both domestically and internationally - we must await the September 2026 elections," Gharbi told The New Arab.

Moroccans will vote on 23 September to elect the 395 members of the House of Representatives.

The result will determine which party or coalition commands a parliamentary majority and is best placed to form the next government. Under Morocco's constitution, King Mohammed VI appoints the head of government from the party that wins the most seats.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch's National Rally of Independents (RNI) won 102 seats in the 2021 election before forming a governing coalition with PAM and the Istiqlal Party.

Inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, public sector reform, youth unemployment and investment linked to the 2030 World Cup are expected to dominate this year's campaign.