Morocco's FRMF Backs Infantino for FIFA Presidency
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has made a significant move by officially nominating Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president. This announcement was made by FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, who signed a formal letter of nomination addressed to FIFA's Secretary General on Thursday in Vancouver, Canada. The FRMF expressed its delight in proposing Infantino's candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, which is set to take place on March 18, 2027, during the 77th FIFA Congress. Importantly, the federation underscored its unwavering support for Infantino, stating that it will not endorse any other candidate.
In a press release accompanying the nomination, the FRMF praised Infantino for his exemplary efforts to advance both African and global football during his tenure. The federation highlighted its ongoing collaboration with FIFA under Infantino’s leadership, which has proven beneficial for the development of the sport. This endorsement coincides with the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) announcement of unanimous support for Infantino's reelection, following a meeting in Vancouver where all 54 African member associations voted in favor of his candidacy for the 2027-2031 term.
Infantino's Candidacy and Future Plans
Infantino confirmed his intention to run for reelection during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, revealing that the 77th FIFA Congress will be hosted in Rabat, Morocco. Expressing gratitude and humility, he stated, "I am delighted to confirm that the 77th FIFA Congress will be hosted in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027. We very much look forward to coming together in this beautiful country, which has been a friend of FIFA and football." This upcoming congress will mark the second consecutive FIFA election meeting to be held in Africa, following the 2023 election in Kigali, Rwanda, where Infantino was elected by acclamation.
Fouzi Lekjaa, who also serves as CAF’s first vice president and is a member of the FIFA Council, has been a staunch ally of Infantino. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Infantino’s election, Lekjaa acknowledged the FIFA president's significant contributions, including comprehensive governance reforms that have dramatically increased FIFA's revenues and resources. These reforms have enabled the expansion of development programs worldwide.
Under Infantino's leadership, Morocco has made substantial progress, including securing the opportunity to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with plans for the final to be held at a new 115,000-capacity stadium currently under construction in Casablanca. Additionally, FIFA's Africa regional office was inaugurated in Rabat in July 2025, and Morocco has entered into a five-year agreement to host the annual Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Having been first elected in February 2016 and reelected in 2019 and 2023, Infantino's presidency is poised to extend beyond the typical three-term limit, as his initial term was deemed "incomplete" due to the circumstances surrounding his predecessor, Sepp Blatter. As a result, Infantino's presidency could potentially last up to 15 years by the time he reaches the statutory cap in 2031. Given the influence of African voters—now numbering 54 among FIFA’s 211 members—they are expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming presidential elections, with no challengers emerging as of yet.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
