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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Near-flawless CHAN boosts Morocco World Cup bid

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Casablanca, Morocco: Morocco were near-flawless hosts of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which ended at the weekend, confirming they are creditable candidates to stage the 2026 World Cup. Fifa member nations will this June select the kingdom or a Canada/Mexico/United States alliance to host the global football showpiece after Russia this year and Qatar in 2022. The 2026 World Cup will be the first featuring 48 countries — up from the current 32 — and any serious slip-ups by Morocco in the 16-nation CHAN would have sent damaging signals.


However, apart from the decades-old African problem of luring crowds to fixtures not involving the host nation, Morocco emerged with flying colours. Morocco could argue that the crowd-pulling appeal of home-based Africans, however talented, cannot be compared with world superstars like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo.


“The organisation of this tournament has been exceptional,” Germany-born Rwanda coach Antoine Hey said.


“Morocco has provided infrastructure that meets the highest international standards. I am extremely impressed.”


Libya goalkeeper and captain Mohamed Nashnush also hailed the organisation by Morocco, who are bidding a fifth time to host the World Cup.


“Morocco pulled out all the stops and the Libyan footballers, coaches and officials were very comfortable wherever they went in the country.


“The organisation and infrastructure were superb and I hope Morocco win the right to host the 2026 World Cup.”


Morocco national football federation head Fouzi Lekjaa, who is also a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Vice-President, says his country has a compelling case.


“Since the first World Cup in 1930, Africa has organised the tournament only once,” he said, referring to the 2010 finals in South Africa.


Pre-CHAN tournament favourites Morocco whipped 10-man Nigeria 4-0 to win the competition, which has full international status despite being restricted to home-based footballers. Their six matches attracted near-capacity crowds to the 65,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V in commercial capital Casablanca.— AFP


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