FIFA head says Moroccan bid for 2006 is strong

FIFA chairman Sepp Blatter said he had no doubt Morocco has handed in a strong dossier for its bid to host the 2006 football World Cup.

Blatter told Moroccan "Liberation" daily he has not been through the report of FIFA's inspection committee which toured the kingdom in February, insisting Morocco's bid is a strong one recalling the country's preceding and almost successful candidacies.

Morocco, a three-time bidder, is campaigning against South Africa, Brazil, England and Germany to stage the 2006 World Cup. FIFA's executive committee will select the host country early next July.

Blatter listed Moroccan assets, saying they are topped by deep-rooted football tradition, and said he was impressed by the support Morocco musters beyond Arab-Islamic and European countries.

Of African odds, FIFA head said the executive committee ought to have the courage to elect an African country if it meets all requirements.