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Rabat – Morocco is determined to carry out the projects listed in its 2026 World Cup bid book, even if the North African country loses hosting rights of the 23rd FIFA World tournament.
Chief Executive Officer of the Moroccan bid committee Hicham El Amrani told BBC Sport that the country has decided to implement the projects listed in its bid book, “because it is for the good of our country and continent, not only to host the World Cup.”
According to the official, the Moroccan committee is focusing on one goal now: winning the hosting rights. “But even if we don’t win and we lose in fair play and that will be fine.”
The bid book outlines Morocco’s determination to host the massive tournament. Explaining its readiness for the event, the file says that the country will offer football fans and footballers with an unprecedented experience.
The book includes a set of development projects, covering infrastructure, stadiums, and hotels. Chairman of the Moroccan bid committee Moulay Hafid Elalamy told reporters in a press conference held in February that Morocco is planning to build six 40,000-seat stadiums, in addition to a seventh 100,000-seat stadium in Casablanca.
Morocco’s bid has collected the support of several African countries, including that of Algeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Nigeria, and Botswana. Surprisingly, South Africa retracted its support for Morocco’s bid on May 9, after pledging support for the African bid back in April.
“It is an obligation for sporting bodies to understand what the country’s agenda is,” said South African Minister of Sport Tokozile Xasa.
Commenting on African nations support, El Amrani said that no one is “forced” to back the Moroccan bid if “he believes that it doesn’t serve the country or the country’s football interest.”
El Amrani added that “even if Africa has always acted in unity, unity does not mean 100% of all the member associations, this is part of the democratic process.”
He added that Morocco has support from all over the world, including Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Commenting on the FIFA task force visit to Morocco back in April, El Amrani said that the FIFA inspection committee is set to publish the outcomes of its visit on May 29. The assessment will decide whether Morocco’s bid will continue its race until the big day, when 211 football federation will cast their vote for their favorite bid on June 13, in Moscow.
