In a recent column published in AS Diario, João Gabriel, a former consultant for the 2030 World Cup bid, accused Morocco of always looking after its own interests. Amine Birouk, a Moroccan sports journalist, has now responded to these allegations, defending Morocco's role in the joint bid.
Birouk emphasized that Morocco's commitment to the tri-continental bid, alongside Spain and Portugal, was always collaborative and transparent. He pointed to the significant investments Morocco has made in stadium infrastructure and hospitality, which were praised by FIFA officials during the bid evaluation.
The joint bid, which was officially awarded in December 2024, is set to be the first World Cup hosted across three continents. Morocco is scheduled to host matches in six cities, including Casablanca and Rabat, with the final slated for the iconic Stade Hassan II in Casablanca.
Birouk also dismissed Gabriel's claims as unfounded, noting that Morocco's efforts were always aligned with the collective success of the bid. He highlighted the strong partnership between the three countries and the positive feedback from FIFA's inspection reports.
As the tournament approaches, the focus remains on delivering a successful event that showcases the best of African, European, and South American football culture.
