FIFA congratulates Morocco after inspectors' visit

The world football governing body (FIFA) congratulated Morocco for the sound organization of the visit by a FIFA inspectors delegation to Morocco last February.

FIFA thanked Morocco on behalf of the inspectors for the hospitality and the perfect organization of the visit.

The inspectors visited Morocco's major cities and the stadiums where Morocco is proposing to hold the 2006 World Cup. They were also received by King Mohammed VI and Prince Moulay Rachid, head of the Moroccan National Commission in charge of promoting Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup.

Morocco is campaigning against South Africa, Brazil, England and Germany to host the planetary event.

FIFA will choose next July the host country of the competition.

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

The 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 had told a press conference at the end of the visit.