 Morocco is one of France's biggest trading partners |
France President Jacques Chirac has offered his country's support to Morocco's bid to host the World Cup in 2010. Morocco - who lost out to France in the bid to host the 1998 competition - are one of five African countries hoping to stage the 2010 tournament.
It is the fourth time the North African country has been in the running - and Mr Chirac promised the full backing of France.
"I'll do everything I can to ensure France helps Morocco organise the next World Cup," Mr Chirac told a news conference on Saturday.
Mr Chirac, who was speaking at the end of a two-day official visit to Morocco, recalled how France beat the north Africans to host the 1998 tournament.
"I would have preferred to win [in 1998] against another country than Morocco so I feel I owe you a sort of debt," he said.
Morocco's facilities, plans and infrastructure are currently being inspected by a Fifa delegation touring the country.
The inspectors will then move to South Africa before visiting Egypt, Libya and Tunisia. A sixth candidate, Nigeria, pulled out of the race last month.
The winner is decided next year.
MMIX
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