The Moroccan, Portuguese, and Spanish Football Federations officially signed, on November 29, the bid agreement to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said in a statement that the signing of the bid agreement is a commitment by the three Football Federations to respect the rules and framework governing the bidding process, adding that the document also offers guidance on key technical aspects of the bid, including its promotion and evaluation criteria.
“The Moroccan, Portuguese, and Spanish Football Federations will further work together to develop a bid that will enable the FIFA World Cup to exceed all expectations,” stated the FRMF, stressing that “in sharing their vision and expectations for the tournament last month, the Federations expressed their commitment to organizing a tournament that contributes to the FIFA World Cup legacy and football development and has a significant impact worldwide”.
The same source also recalled that the 2030 FIFA World Cup will mark the centenary of the first edition of the tournament, affirming that “special efforts will be made to ensure that the tournament serves as a model for the next 100 years”.
“The host countries will showcase their unique cultures to foster collaboration between Europe, Africa, and the rest of the world while ensuring that the event is sustainable, friendly, and inclusive for all fans of all ages and backgrounds,” stressed the press release.
During the signing ceremony, the President of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Fernando Gomes, underlined that the signing of the bid agreement is “a historic moment for our Federations and football in our three countries”.
“We celebrate today all those who have contributed to the achievement of this moment, and as of tomorrow, we will work to develop a bid and a tournament plan guaranteed to impress football fans around the world and to organize a unique tournament experience for all football fans worldwide,” pointed out Gomes.
For his part, FRMF President, Fouzi Lekjaa, noted that “thanks to the Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah assist him, football is witnessing an unprecedented development in Morocco, from the grassroots right up to our national teams.”
Lekjaa added that Morocco is joining forces with Portugal and Spain to organize a revolutionary FIFA World Cup which will forever mark the history of football, underlining that “together, we will write history.”
“The first transcontinental men’s FIFA World Cup, the first to be staged in two continents and three countries, and only the second on the entire African continent,” recalled the Moroccan official, pointing out that “our impact can be phenomenal because our 2030 World Cup will be a football event that will mark a new turning point.”
In a similar statement, the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Pedro Rocha, affirmed that “we are very grateful for the confidence FIFA has placed in our vision so far (…) and we look forward to working together in the upcoming months”.
“We are aware of the major responsibility that comes with organizing a football World Cup, and we are already weighing up its full significance,” stated Rocha, adding that “three countries will host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, but its legacy will be experienced everywhere”.