More than 150 European figures back Morocco's World Cup bid

More than 150 French and European figures have set up a committee to back Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup.

The personalities underlined in an open letter the privileged ties binding Morocco and Europe. They said these ties compel them to win European political and sports officials' backing to the Moroccan candidature.

Morocco is campaigning against South Africa, Brazil, England and Germany to host the World Cup. FIFA will select the host country next July.

"Morocco has the best assets to host the competition," the committee said, citing the Kingdom's geographic location at the crossroads of continents and civilizations.

Morocco's exceptional tourism and infrastructure potential and unmatched security are other factors pleading for the choice of Morocco.

Holding the World Cup in Morocco will encourage the political, economic and social evolution the country is going through under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, the committee said.

The committee includes the speaker of the French Senate, Christian Poncelet; head of the social group at the European Parliament, Baron Crespo Enrique; renowned French player, Emmanuel Petit; president of the French employers' association, Ernest-Antoine Seillierel and former French Premier Raymond Barre.