Morocco has officially replaced Ukraine in a joint bid with Spain and Portugal to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The North African country officially confirmed its decision to partner with Portugal and Spain in a joint bid as hosts on Tuesday.
The bid was intended to include Ukraine, which Russia invaded in February 2022. There are also concerns about the Ukraine Football Association’s governance.
However, it is not clear what will happen to Ukraine following Morocco’s announcement.
Moroccan King Mohammed V described the bid as unprecedented in football history as it will bring Africa and Europe together.
“This joint bid, which is unprecedented in football history, will bring together Africa and Europe, the Northern and Southern Mediterranean, and the African, Arab, and Euro-Mediterranean worlds,” read the message by Morocco’s Sports Minister Chakib Benmoussa on behalf of King Mohammed V.
The announcement was made at the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda.
King Mohammed V also expressed confidence that the bid would bring out the best in all three counties.
“It will also bring out the best in all of us, in effect a combination of genius, creativity, experience and means,” he said
This will mark Morocco’s sixth attempt to host the competition. The North African country has entered the bid every time it was eligible since 1994.
They will now battle Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay who have also submitted a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
FIFA will announce the successful bidders in 2024.
