The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) could face severe sanctions following its decision to withdraw from hosting the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), originally scheduled from March 17 to April 3. This decision comes amid rising tensions between the FRMF, its president Fouzi Lekjaâ, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after sanctions were imposed on the Moroccan federation due to incidents during the 2025 men’s CAN final between Senegal and Morocco.
According to CAF’s disciplinary regulations, any country withdrawing from organizing a tournament less than six months before it starts will incur a fine of $250,000. However, this financial penalty may not be the only consequence for the FRMF. Morocco will also have to bear the financial and moral damages caused to CAF and other tournament participants, which could lead to further repercussions for the federation.
The consequences for the Moroccan women’s national team would be particularly heavy. If the withdrawal happens, the FRMF risks a suspension of the women’s team for the next two editions of the CAN. This means the Lionesses of the Atlas, who have made significant strides in recent years, would miss out on the 2028 CAN and the one in 2030. This suspension would deprive the team of continental competition for several years, seriously hindering their development.
Another direct and significant consequence of this withdrawal would be the qualification of the women’s team for the World Cup. The four semi-finalists of the 2026 Women’s CAN earn their tickets to the 2027 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Brazil. If the Moroccan team’s suspension is upheld, the Lionesses of the Atlas risk losing their chance to participate in the 2027 World Cup and potentially the 2031 edition. For the FRMF, which aims to promote its football at all levels, this situation would be a major strategic setback.
The ambitions of the Lionesses of the Atlas, who aimed for a second consecutive World Cup qualification, are now seriously at risk. Beyond the sporting impact, this withdrawal would be a significant blow to the federation’s image and Morocco’s standing in African women’s football.
