MOROCCO’s joint bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain is “impeccably prepared” by the three countries, President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, said on Wednesday.
In a statement reported by the Spanish press, Rubiales said that he is “more convinced than ever that this candidacy will meet the challenge and will be met with success.
“One day, the work done by the various federations involved in this project will be recognised,” he added.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI first announced the joint bid of Morocco, Spain, and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup during a speech in March in Kigali.
The bid is of immense historical significance as it would mark the first time African and European countries collaborate on a bid to host the world cup. The bid also marks the first time Arab and Euro-Mediterranean countries join forces to host the World Cup, noted the sovereign.
The joint bid with Portugal and Spain marks Morocco’s sixth attempt to host the FIFA World Cup. The country has submitted a bid every time since 1994.
Morocco is replacing Ukraine in the joint bid after its football federation became involved in an alleged corruption scandal.
The North African country remains hopeful that the national team’s gains at the 2022 World Cup will give its bid a head start.
Last year, the country’s national team made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup, becoming the first African or Arab team to do so.
The joint bid with the two European countries will play in Morocco’s favour given the concerns around logistics and hosting capabilities that come with hosting multiple games and the influx of tourists coming to attend the tournament.
Eighteen-Eleven Media