Morocco has appointed the president of its football federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, as Minister of Economy and Finance and Public Performance, marking a new chapter in a career that has combined public finance, government service and football administration.
King Mohammed VI announced Lekjaa’s appointment on Friday, October 16, 2026, as part of the country’s new government, following parliamentary elections held on September 23.
Although Lekjaa is widely recognised for his role in transforming Moroccan football and strengthening the country’s influence in the international game, his appointment to the finance ministry is not a departure from an entirely unfamiliar field. He has spent years working in public financial administration, including serving as the country’s budget director before entering government as a ministerial delegate.
The appointment places him in charge of a key ministry responsible for managing public finances, preparing budgets and overseeing the government’s economic and financial policies.
From budget director to finance minister
Born in Berkane, Morocco, in 1970, Lekjaa trained as an agricultural engineer at the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine before beginning his career in public finance.
He joined Morocco’s financial administration as an inspector before rising through the ranks of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In 2010, he became director of the state budget, a position he held until 2021.
His experience in budget management paved the way for his appointment in October 2021 as Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for the budget, under the government led by Aziz Akhannouch.
In that role, Lekjaa was involved in managing public expenditure and budgetary priorities, giving him substantial experience in the financial responsibilities he will now oversee as a full minister.
His elevation therefore represents a progression from managing the state budget to leading the broader economic and financial ministry.
How Lekjaa became a major figure in football
Alongside his government career, Lekjaa has built an influential reputation in football administration.
He became president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in 2014, taking charge as Morocco pursued improvements in its football structures, youth development, infrastructure and international competitiveness.
Under his leadership, Morocco strengthened its football development programmes and expanded its ambitions in international competitions. The country’s fourth-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar further enhanced its reputation as a rising force in world football.
Lekjaa has also played a prominent role in efforts to prepare Morocco for major international tournaments, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
His influence extends beyond Morocco. He became a member of the FIFA Council in 2021 and rose to become first vice-president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2025. He has also held important responsibilities within CAF’s financial and competition administration structures.
Before taking charge of the national football federation, Lekjaa served as president of Renaissance Sportive de Berkane, the Moroccan club commonly known as RS Berkane, from 2009 to 2019.
His experience across club football, national federation leadership and continental administration has made him one of the most influential figures in African football governance.
New government, major economic responsibilities
Lekjaa’s appointment comes as Morocco’s new government faces economic and social challenges, including concerns over employment, education and healthcare, alongside preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
The country is also pursuing major infrastructure investments linked to its long-term development ambitions and preparations for co-hosting the global football tournament.
As Minister of Economy and Finance and Public Performance, Lekjaa will be expected to oversee the management of public resources and contribute to the implementation of the government’s economic priorities.
His background in budget administration could prove particularly relevant as the government balances development spending, public services and investment in infrastructure.
His appointment also reflects the growing overlap between sports administration and public leadership in Morocco, where football has become an important part of the country’s international profile and development strategy.
For Lekjaa, the challenge will be to translate his extensive experience in financial administration and sports governance into effective leadership of one of the government’s most important ministries.