Strong Saudi support to Moroccan 2006 World Cup bid

The support of Saudi Arabia for the Moroccan bid to host the 2006 World Cup is strong and unwavering, said Prince Sultan Bin Fahd, head of the Arab and Saudi football unions.

After a meeting in Jeddah with Franz Beckenbauer, deputy chairman of the German football federation and head of its candidacy committee, Prince Sultan said the Arab union has been exerting efforts to uphold Morocco's bid. He also recalled how he asked visiting FIFA chairman Sepp Blatter and CAF chairman Issa Hayatou to press on and help the kingdom host the event.

The Saudi official said he would renew the support of his country which enjoys a special status within FIFA and other international sports bodies to the Moroccan bid next week when the South-African delegation will be visiting.

Morocco is vying for the honor to host the football World Cup of 2006 with South Africa, Brazil, Germany and England.