Benin backs Morocco's World Cup soccer bid
Morocco-Benin, Sports, 12/18/1999

Benin on Friday voiced full backing to Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup football finals.

Morocco meets all conditions to be the first African nation to host the planetary event, Beninese youth and sports minister, Houde Valentin told a Moroccan delegation that visited Benin part of a 15-nation tour to sway African backing to the Moroccan bid.

Valentin underlined that Morocco's odds to win the bid are more important than those of South Africa. "As this is the third time that Morocco bids for hosting the World Cup, South African officials should be won over to hear the voice of reason," said the Beninese official.

Driss Benhima, who heads the delegation, handed President Mathieu Kerekou of Benin a message from King Mohammed VI.

Benhima told the press that the Beninese president renewed to him Cotonou's support to the Moroccan bid.

Morocco is competing with South Africa, Germany, England and Brazil to host the planetary event. The World football governing body, FIFA, will select the host country next July.

The Moroccan delegation had previously visited Tunisia, Senegal, Mali and Guinea, where it got clear expressions of support from the highest authorities. The delegation handed messages from King Mohammed VI to the presidents of these nations.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco to host international women's football tournament   (12/17/1999)
  Canadian figures back Morocco's soccer World Cup bid   (12/17/1999)
  Guinean president voices backing for Morocco's World Cup soccer bid   (12/17/1999)

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