FIFA inspectors visit Fez stadium

The inspection commission of the World football governing body (FIFA) visited over the weekend the Fez international stadium, currently under construction, part of Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup finals. The delegation was also briefed on another 45,000 seat stadium, to be constructed in Meknes, near Fez.

The FIFA inspectors were also on transport, roads and telecommunications networks in Fez and Meknes.

The delegation will wind up this Monday its visit to Morocco with an inspection of the sports facilities in Marrakesh, where it will also hold a press conference.

The FIFA party was received by Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the National Commission in Charge of Morocco's bid.

They watched last Thursday a match pitting Casablanca's two major clubs, Raja and Wydad. The match, which drained more than 80,000 spectators, was an opportunity to see how Moroccans are enthusiastic about hosting the planetary competition.

FIFA will choose next July the host country of the 2006 World Cup from a group of five nations, namely Morocco, South Africa, Brazil, Germany and England.

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 stadia, meeting requirements of the World football governing body.

To drum up support for its bid, Morocco staged campaigns in Africa and the Arab World, where most nations voiced full and unconditional support to Rabat.

Morocco also rallied several African, Arab and international football and art stars and involved them in promoting its bid.