June 21 – Moroccan legend Noureddine Naybet has added his support to the country’s joint World Cup 2030 bid with Spain and Portugal.
Although their bid is pretty much a shoo-in as the only candidates left standing, there is still some work to be done to convince the football world, and FIFA, that they will meet the governance standards required to host the tournament. Spain in particular, as good as their national teams are, are still struggling with an institutional crisis.
Naybet, who played for the Moroccan national team for 17 consecutive years and amassing an impressive total of 115 caps, is in a unique position as he also played in Portugal with Sporting CP, and at Deportivo La Coruña, where he played for eight seasons, helping the team win a famous La Liga victory in 2000, as well as a Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cup trophies.
“Bringing these three countries together to organize the first transcontinental FIFA World Cup is a historic opportunity for international football, and I am excited to be part of this journey,” said Naybet.
“I had very positive experiences in all three countries. I am proud to be Moroccan and it was through my journey in Morocco, particularly with Wydad, that I was shaped as a football player capable of adapting both on and off the field…In Portugal, where I played for one season, and in Spain, where I spent seven seasons, I also felt at home. I played alongside and against exceptional players, but what I remember most is the dedication of all the fans. Their love for football is inspiring. There is a lot of respect, friendship, and tolerance in the stadiums and beyond. All these elements will be assets to make the FIFA World Cup 2030 the best ever organised.”
Morocco has already hosted important international football finals including the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which attracted record crowds.
The country will also host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the U-17 Women’s World Cup from 2025 to 2029.
“We will learn from each experience and, with the continued support of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco will be more than ready to welcome the world in 2030,” said Naybet.
Morocco has tried on three previous occasions to win the World Cup hosting rights, but this time it is the closest it has been. The positive impact this would have on the country, and not just in football terms, is not lost Naybet.
“Hosting the World Cup 2030 will be a true transformation for our country. From a footballing perspective, I can’t think of a more impactful way to encourage continued engagement and support for the sport, especially among young people. I think it will help our country continue to develop and be competitive in the years to come,” he said.
“But the impact will go beyond football. I fully support the vision of the bid which is focused on social cohesion, sustainability, investment opportunities, and innovation. Our country has immense potential in many areas, and I am very excited to see what we can achieve together.”
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