RABAT: Morocco has lost hope of a fourth African vote in support of its bid to win host rights to the 2026 World Cup after Zimbabwe declared itself for United 2026 writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

The Zimbabwe Football Federation thus aligned itself with South Africa, Liberia and Namibia who have all decided to vote for the cohosting proposal from the United States with Canada and Mexico.

World federation FIFA will stage the vote in its annual congress on Wednesday in Moscow on the eve of the kickoff to the 2018 World Cup finals.

ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa made the announcement after visit from United 2026 bid leaders.

Chiyangwa said the decision had been taken with the Government’s blessings after consultations with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation Kazembe Kazembe.

He added: “We have obviously consulted with our Government. The Zimbabwe Government is warming to the United bid and that will inform our vote accordingly.

“We had a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and, accordingly, I’m happy to say that the Zimbabwe Government is happy to support the United bid.”

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