Morocco, thanks to the vision of HM King Mohammed VI, has invested in modern sports and transport infrastructure, Mr. Diop stressed in a statement to MAP, adding that the organization of this World Cup, once awarded to these 3 countries, will take place in 2 continents: Europe and Africa.
“By examining these three geographically very close countries, such an organization would find all its relevance,” he said, noting that it is easier to rally
Spain, Morocco and Portugal, as well as Mexico, the United States and Canada, although FIFA has already awarded them the organisation of the next World Cup in 2026.
“As if Morocco had prepared for this, because after aborted candidacies, the time has finally arrived,” the columnist told the Sen Medias group.
“Morocco needs no introduction on the football planet. The exploits achieved by the Atlas Lions during the Qatar 2022 World Cup are still fresh in our memories. First African nation by the FIFA ranking, but also by the place occupied following this World Cup. Never an African country
had not reached the semi-finals of the event,” noted Mr. Diop, also a sports consultant on Yeuggle TV.
Morocco is now part of the world football map and more than 2 billion viewers know this country and can locate it geographically after having thrilled to the repeated exploits of Ziyech, Amrabat, Mazraoui or Hakimi, explained the Senegalese journalist.
Returning to the infrastructure, he specified that “a World Cup requires mobility because as we saw in Qatar, officials must be able to reach the stadiums without great difficulty. Trams, high-speed trains, planes, all this is visible and accessible to the populations. From Casablanca to Rabat via Marrakech, Tangier or Tetouan, the notion of distance no longer exists in Morocco.”
“The tourist infrastructure is no longer in doubt, combined with the legendary hospitality of the population, the knowledgeable public, the mild climate are all assets to be highlighted,” Mr. Diop added.
In terms of security, the Kingdom offers all the guarantees for a competition of this magnitude, he continued, stressing that Morocco also has know-how in organizing large-scale sporting events. The last Mundialito des clubs is a shining example of this, as is the case for the CHAN organized brilliantly in 2018.
Regarding Spain, the Senegalese journalist recalled that this country already has solid experience in organizing major world events such as the Olympic Games and the World Cup in 1982, specifying that the quality of the infrastructure and the experience must be taken into consideration.
“Portugal also has modern sports facilities,” he insisted, explaining that on the football world stage, Portugal has an excellent ambassador and one of the best footballers in history. This is Cristiano Ronaldo, “an excellent marketing product to promote the candidacy of these three countries. Added to this is the former Ballon d’Or winner, Luis Figo and the iconic coach, José Mourinho,” he noted.
2024-08-21 07:57:28