RABAT, 15 June. - (ANA) - Morocco’s king Mohammed VI has instructed his country to bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

 

The announcement comes after the nation lost the vote to host the tournament in 2026 to the joint USA, Canada and Mexico bid.

 

A member of Morocco’s failed 2026 bidding committee, Moncef Belkhayat made this announcement.

 

“I’m delighted his Majesty King Mohammed VI has taken the decision to make Morocco a bid nation for World Cup 2030,” he said.

 

“That shows that Morocco is a country of openness, tolerance and shares values of the world, making football a key driver for social development and economic growth.

 

“It shows also our perseverance to do better and better for the sake of Morocco and worldwide football.”

 

It will be a sixth attempt by Morocco to host a World Cup as well as 2026 it made bids in in 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010.

 

On Wednesday, Morocco lost by 134 votes to 65 to the United bid during a FIFA congress in the Russian capital, Moscow.

 

Should Morocco succeed in winning the 2030 bid, it will be the centennial anniversary of the world cup which was first hosted by Uruguay in 1930.  - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/15 June 2018 - - -