Morocco officially submits bid to host soccer World Cup in 2006

Morocco officially submitted on Monday its bid to host the soccer World Cup in 2006.

The bid was presented by Driss Benhima, high commissioner in charge of the candidacy file, at a ceremony chaired by FIFA chairman Joseph Blatter in presence of international sports audiovisual media.

In his inaugural address, Blatter expressed to the Moroccan delegation his deep sorrow and affliction following the demise of King Hassan II and asked the attendance to observe a one-minute silence in the memory of the late sovereign, described as the greatest Moroccan, African and international statesman.

The Moroccan bid documents include two letters addressed to the FIFA chief by late King Hassan II and King Mohammed VI, expressing Morocco's full determination and commitment to provide all necessary facilities, infrastructure and security to World Cup guests.

The success of the Moroccan candidacy would be a great honor to the African continent and Arab World, said the royal letters, affirming that Morocco is mobilizing all potentials and resources to ensure success to the event.

After his 30-minute presentation of the Moroccan bid, Driss Benhima told reporters that the kingdom is upbeat over its odds because it presented a sound bid, meticulously elaborated.

Morocco, which is running for the third time for the World Cup, is among five countries competing to host the planetary soccer event of 2006.

The four other bidding countries are South Africa, Germany, Brazil and England.

The presentation of the complete bid documentation is always seen as a significant milestone in the selection process.

Once the bids are in, a delegation from FIFA will visit the five prospective finalists over the next few months, inspecting facilities and existing stadiums and also conducting detailed discussions on telecommunications, transport and security.

The final vote to decide the venue is scheduled for July 2000.