Gabon's president voices full backing for Morocco's World Cup football bid

President Haj Omar Bongo of Gabon on Wednesday voiced full backing to Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup football finals. Gabon totally backs Morocco's bid, the bid of all Africa, which has not had the privilege to host the World Cup, President Bongo said while receiving a Moroccan delegation. Driss Benhima, who heads the delegation, handed the Gabonese head of state a message from King Mohammed VI.

The delegation is currently touring a number of African countries to sway backing to Morocco's bid. It had already visited Tunisia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Benin, Cote D'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.

In all these countries, the delegation got clear expressions of support from the highest authorities. The delegation handed messages from King Mohammed VI to the presidents of all the visited nations.

Morocco is competing with South Africa, Germany, England and Brazil to host the planetary event. The world football governing body, FIFA, will select the host country next July.