In a FIFA election where "money could be key," Morocco tried to "heap doubt" on North American promises of multi-billion dollar 2026 World Cup profits on Monday, according to the AP. Moroccan "jibes at projections" from the U.S.-Canada-Mexico bid came when leaders of the rival campaigns met voters from five of FIFA's six continental groups. Of North American pledges of $14.3B revenue for FIFA, Morocco Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa said, "There is lots of uncertainty. That doesn't correspond either to historical facts or future extrapolation, it's an exercise that goes beyond that." Money "will not be the only factor." A FIFA-appointed panel assessing the two candidates already noted the "significantly higher" number than Morocco's projected income of $7.2B for football's governing body from a 48-team tournament. Morocco's "counterattack" is that $5B "pure profit" for FIFA would be a World Cup record (AP, 6/12).
AUSSIE SUPPORT: In Sydney, Dominic Bossi reported Football Federation Australia will "throw its support" behind the World Cup returning to North America. It is understood FFA's support of the tri-nation bid stems from its belief that it is a "superior option from a technical and logistical view," while close social and political ties between Australia and the U.S. will have "eased" the decision (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 6/12).
