The President of FIFA Gianni Infantino, says Morocco has mobilized all the necessary means and resources to ensure the successful hosting of the ongoing Club World Cup.
Speaking to Moroccan media upon landing at Tangier’s airport, Infantino said.
“After the success of the World Cup in Qatar, this Club World Cup takes on a very unique and particular significance in the world.”
He noted that the North African country has made substantial efforts to guarantee the quality of the tournament, a reflection of the “trust” FIFA has given Morocco to organize the sporting event.
“If we did not have full trust [in Morocco], we would not be here today to organize the Club World Cup,” he emphasized.
Infantino said that he is looking forward to visiting Morocco again in the future, highlighting the country’s love and passion for football.
“It is a beautiful country … it is a country of football,” emphasized Infantino, celebrating the “huge success” of the Moroccan national football team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Morocco’s Atlas Lions achieved the unexpected at the global tournament, as they defied all odds and became the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup’s semi-finals.
Infantino noted that this edition of the Club World Cup, the third organized in Morocco, has brought together some of the world’s biggest football clubs, as well as sparked immense enthusiasm and passion among football fans.
The tournament is taking place between February 1 and 11 in the Moroccan cities of Tangier and Rabat, with the participation of seven clubs.
FIFA’s president is set to attend the remaining Club World Cup matches, including today’s semi-final game featuring Egypt’s Al Ahly and Spain’s Real Madrid.
In addition, he will attend the last day of the tournament on February 11, which will feature the third-place match between Brazil’s Flamengo and the losing team of today’s game, and the final featuring Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and the winner of today’s match.