Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority, Gideon Hammond, has called on the Confederation of African Football to remove its First Vice President, Fouzi Lekjaa, over what he describes as a potential conflict of interest.

In a petition dated March 19, 2026, Hammond raised concerns about Lekjaa’s dual role as CAF’s First Vice President and President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, particularly in light of the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

The petition follows CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title two months after their on-field victory and award it to Morocco, a ruling that has sparked widespread debate across the continent.

In his submission, Hammond stressed the need for transparency and impartiality in CAF’s decision-making processes.

President of FIFA Gianni Infantino (2nd-L), CAF President Patrice Motsepe (2nd-R) and FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa (L) attend the inauguration ceremony of the FIFA offices in Rabat, at the Mohammed VI Complex in Sale on July 26, 2025. The International Football Federation (FIFA) inaugurated a regional office near Rabat on July 25, the first in North Africa, five years before the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Morocco. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP) (Photo by ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT/AFP via Getty Images)

“i, the undersigned is a stakeholder in our sports fraternity from Ghana, respectfully submit this petition to the leadership of the Confederation of African Football to express my deep concern regarding a potential conflict of interest involving Fouzi Lekjaa, 1st Vice-President of CAF, in the ongoing matter between Senegal and Morocco.

CAF stands as the guardian of fairness, integrity, and credibility in African football. These values must not only be upheld in practice but must also be clearly seen to be upheld by all stakeholders across the continent and beyond.

Given the high office held by Mr. Lekjaa and his national affiliation with one of the parties in the ongoing case, there exists a serious risk of perceived or actual conflict of interest. Even in the absence of proven misconduct, the situation creates reasonable doubt in the minds of the football community regarding the impartiality of CAF’s processes.”

Hammond further argued that a resignation or removal would help restore confidence in the governing body’s integrity.

(L-R) President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation Fouzi Lekjaa, President of FIFA Gianni Infantino, and President of AFA Claudio Tapia look on during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 final match between Argentina and Morocco at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos on October 19, 2025 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Luis Cano/Jam Media/Getty Images)

• “I firmly believe that resignation is necessary in this instance for the following reasons:
• To protect the integrity of CAF decisions:
• The credibility of CAF depends on decisions that are free from any form of influence o perceived bias.
• To avoid any suspicion of influence or bias:
• Public confidence in CAF’s governance is weakened when senior officials are seen to be connected to matters under review.
• To set a strong precedent for accountability”

He added that such a move should not be viewed as an admission of wrongdoing but rather a demonstration of leadership and commitment to good governance.

Othmane Maamma of Morocco hugs Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, during the awatd ceremony following FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 final match between Argentina and Morocco at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on October 19, 2025 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

“Such a decision would not be an admission of wrongdoing, but rather a statesmanlike act of responsibility, reinforcing CAF’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and good governance.

African football deserves institutions that inspire trust and confidence at all times. This is a defining moment for CAF to demonstrate that its leadership is guided by principle, accountability, and the collective interest of the game.”

The development adds another layer to the ongoing AFCON 2025 controversy, with pressure continuing to mount on CAF’s leadership as scrutiny over governance, integrity, and decision-making intensifies.