FIFA inspectors very impressed by Morocco's bid
Morocco, Sports, 2/29/2000

FIFA inspectors said they were "very, very impressed" by Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup.

"We were impressed by the official commitment to organize the cup. The feeling is something we are interested in," head of the FIFA inspectors delegation, US Alan Rothenberg told a press conference Monday in Marrakesh.

The party started last week a six-day visit to Morocco to inspect the country's sports, roads and telecommunications facilities. They visited the major Moroccan cities and stadiums chosen to host the world extravaganza.

The delegation was also received by King Mohammed VI and conferred with Prince Moulay Rachid, who chairs the national commission in charge of promoting the bid.

The guarantees presented by Morocco are "viable," Gothenberg said, adding that the delegation felt that Morocco's commitment, expressed by King Mohammed VI and Prince Moulay Rachid, is "crucial."

Gothenberg, who termed Morocco's bid "professional and very complete," said the FIFA inspectors saw on the field the Moroccans' love for football. He added that Morocco scored a great progress in matters of sports and road infrastructures, compared to the country's two previous bids.

Morocco, a two-time bidder for the honor to host the football World Cup finals-- in 1994 and 1998--, has devised a 560-million dollar plan to build new and modern stadiums, meeting requirements of the world football governing body.

After Morocco, the FIFA party will head for South Africa for a similar visit.

Previous Stories:
  FIFA inspectors visit Fez stadium   (2/28/2000)
  Prince Moulay Rachid receives FIFA inspection delegation   (2/26/2000)
  FIFA inspection delegation arrives in Morocco   (2/24/2000)

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