Morocco denies plans to withdraw from 2006 world cup race

Moroccan officials in charge of the Moroccan candidacy to host the 2006 world soccer cup denied press reports that Morocco is planning to withdraw from the race to favor South Africa.

Officials in charge of the Moroccan candidacy are flatly denying the statement made by manager of the South African campaign, Danny Joraan, who was quoted on Wednesday by British daily "Financial Times" as saying that Morocco has asked for a meeting to discuss its potential withdrawal from the race in favor of South Africa.

The association "Maroc Mondial 2006" insists the Moroccan dossier derives its strength from its Arab and African bases.

For Morocco, the only way to reach a unified African candidacy was an arbitration of the African Football Confederation. Morocco proposed the formula last January, deeming CAF as the only one legitimately entitled to designate the best African candidate. The request was turned down by South Africa, acting chairman of the Moroccan campaign, Driss Behima, said.

The "Financial Times" reported on Wednesday that South America is set to throw its weight behind South Africa's bid to host the 2006 World Cup, as part of an agreement in which African nations will support a Brazilian bid to host the World Cup in 2010.

Fifa's 24-man executive committee will meet next July 5-6 to choose which of England, South Africa, Morocco, Brazil and Germany, will host the soccer planetary competition finals in 2006.