Morocco keeps chance for 2010 world cup, minister

The Moroccan youth and sports minister on Thursday said after FIFA decided to host the 2006 soccer world cup in Germany, Morocco is keeping chances for hosting the 2010 World Cup.

Speaking after FIFA's vote in Zurich, Ahmed Moussaoui said Germany's victory is a half defeat for Morocco, which keeps a chance to run for hosting the 2010 World Cup.

Germany won the 2006 bid with 12 votes against 11 for South Africa. Morocco, which was bidding for the third time, left the race at the first voting round with only 3 votes.

Africa in general and Morocco in particular are keeping a chance to host the 2010 edition, the minister told MAP news agency.

The minister imputed Africa's failure to host the 2006 World cup to some pressures, that he did not specify.

Moussaoui lashed out at confusion and lack of transparency within FIFA, calling for a reconsideration of the World football governing body's structures.

The Minister criticized Arabs for lack of solidarity with the Moroccan 2006 bid. "While we made of our bid that of the Arab nation and Africa, the Arab world failed to show solidarity with Morocco," he said.

Moussaoui was hinting to Qatar's voter, Ibn Hammam, who voted for Germany.

Reacting to these accusations, Ben Hammam told MAP news agency that his decision is that of his country and that he received instructions for his government (to vote for Germany).

Ben Hammam refuted any attempt to question Qatar's "Arab nationalism" after Qatar voted for Germany.