FOOTBALL – Morocco has joined the so-called bid submitted by Spain and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup. Initially, Spain and Portugal wanted to apply along with Ukraine.
In a message delivered by Education and Sports Minister Chakib Benmoussa, King Mohammed VI stressed that ‘this joint candidature, unprecedented in the history of football, will unite Africa and Europe, the north and south of the Mediterranean and the African, Arab and Euro-Mediterranean worlds’. It is ‘a lever for success and sustainable human development’ because ‘beyond a passion and the expression of creative talent, football is a vision of the future, a long-term commitment, efficient and transparent governance and an investment in infrastructure and human capital,’ the president stated in his speech.
‘The Kingdom of Morocco – which hosted the last FIFA Club World Cup – has once again demonstrated by deeds that its resources, infrastructure and experience, especially in football, are available to all African countries that want to make youth a lever of hope and growth,’ Mohammed VI said in the text read out by his minister. ‘It will also be a bid that brings together the best of both sides and the demonstration of a partnership of genius, creativity, experience and ingenuity. May the peace, grace and blessings of Almighty God be upon you,’ the king revealed about joining forces with Spain and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup.
Favourite role
The strategic alliance between Spain, Morocco and Portugal is one of the big favourites to host the most important event in world football. A step forward for the federations led by Luis Rubiales and Fernando Gomes, who led the talks to create the union with Morocco, and confirmed by King Mohammed VI. The competitors are Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Greece.
It is also already known that the Santiago Bernabéu stadium will be the chosen venue for the opening and closing matches in case the bid is chosen to bring together the best teams in 2030. This was confirmed by Luis Rubiales during a speech, so it will be the starting point when the time comes.
Ukraine
Ukraine’s absence is ultimately due to UEFA and FIFA rules that prohibit a country’s presence if it violates or breaches international rules through interference. This case directly affects Ukraine with the sanctions file opened by the president of the territory’s federation chaired by Volodymyr Zelensky.
