“The joint Morocco-Spain-Portugal candidacy is excellent news that will allow, once again, Africa to host the biggest football competition. It is also a good link between the peoples of Africa and Europe who can join forces, as equals, to offer the world a beautiful image of integration,” Thierry Ekouti stressed in a statement to MAP.
This is, he adds, a good point for the Mediterranean which, in a strategic manner, can thus assert itself as a common space.
Thierry Ekouti noted that the three countries are known for their great passion for sport in general, and football in particular.
“Morocco played in the semi-final of the last World Cup, Spain is known for being home to two of the most prominent clubs in the world of football, while Portugal has produced, notably Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time,” he highlighted.
In terms of security, logistics and infrastructure, these are three countries that are completely up to par and that perfectly meet the standards in this area, notes the Cameroonian journalist.
Regarding the Kingdom’s assets, in this sense, Thierry Ekouti highlighted the strategic vision of HM King Mohammed VI, who has continued to place the Kingdom on the development path since his accession to the Throne.
“This results in several advantages, particularly on the diplomatic level with its leadership, in terms of infrastructure (roads, airports, hotels, TGV, etc.), as well as those relating to know-how in the organization of the most renowned sporting competitions,” he notes.
In this wake, the CEO of “L’Economie Médias Group” returned to the Excellence Award of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the year 2022 awarded to HM King Mohammed VI, affirming that this “entirely deserved” award, rewards the vision of the Sovereign who continues to give a prime place to South-South cooperation, particularly in the sports field.
“Morocco hosts several international matches from countries that do not have approved stadiums. The Kingdom also hosts several countries as part of the training of young people, referees, administrative staff and many others,” he added, stressing that the joy that the Atlas Lions brought to Africans during the Qatari World Cup “is not quantifiable.”
Based on all these achievements, he notes, the way the world views Africa and African sport has continued to change for several years now.
“And a bid from an African country to organise the World Cup will only improve this perception of African sport which is shining more and more,” says Thierry Ekouti.
All this, so to speak, means that the joint Morocco-Spain-Portugal candidacy “can only have positive repercussions to promote a united and supportive Africa around a brother and friend country”, concludes Thierry Ekouti.
2024-08-20 20:55:30