CAIRO: The newly-elected president of the Confederation of African Football has thrown his weight behind a prospective Moroccan bid for the 2026 World Cup.

Ahmad Ahmad made the comments during a visit to the North African country. The Madagascan official was this month elected as the new president of CAF, ending Issa Hayatou’s 29-year reign in control.

Earlier this month, Spanish newspaper AS said King Mohamed VI of Morocco asked Spanish counterpart King Felipe VI to consider a joint bid including Spain and Portugal, adding the project has the backing of Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

However, Morocco is now considering a solo bid, which has been backed by Ahmed.

“Morocco is a stronghold of African and world football,” Ahmad said. “This country lives and breathes football deep within itself. It is also equipped with beautiful infrastructure and is therefore able to organise the 2026 World Cup alone. As CAF president, I will back this project with great enthusiasm.”

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