Saudi Arabia renews backing to Morocco's world cup bid
Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 11/5/1999

Saudi Arabia on Thursday renewed backing to fellow Arab state, Morocco, in its bid to hold the final rounds of the 2006 World Cup, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

"Saudi Arabia backs the candidacy of brotherly Morocco," Prince Sultan Bin Fahd Bin Abdel Aziz, President of the Saudi Youth body, said at a joint press conference with visiting FIFA President, Joseph Blatter.

"Two African nations are bidding to host the 2006 World Cup, as FIFA President, I can back no country's bid," Blatter said.

He added that a FIFA inspection commission will visit the two countries to assess their ability to host the planetary competition.

Besides South Africa, Morocco is competing with Germany, England and Brazil to host the event. Observers believe that the race for winning the bid is actually between Morocco and South Africa, as the world football governing board wants to entrust an African country with hosting the World Cup.

Blatter had arrived Thursday in Saudi Arabia heading a delegation, including his advisor, Michel Platini, former French soccer star. After Riyadh, Blatter and his party will head to Gaza and Jordan.

Previous Stories:
  Casablanca water and power company backs Morocco's World Cup bid   (10/28/1999)
  World Cup 2006: Morocco attempts to win African backing for its bid   (10/22/1999)
  King Mohammed receives Saudi Crown Prince   (10/2/1999)

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