King Mohammed VI chairs Council of Ministers and reviews 2030 World Cup bid progress
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco chaired a Council of Ministers at the Royal Palace in Rabat.
The session began with a presentation by Mr Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of the Budget and Chairman of the 2030 World Cup Committee.
The Minister provided an update on Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, following the joint bid announcement in March 2023.
Lekjaa highlighted the successful submission of the tripartite bid to FIFA on July 29, 2024, noting that the bid received an exceptional evaluation report from FIFA, published on November 29, 2024. This development sets the stage for the bid’s potential award during the upcoming FIFA Council Congress.
In line with His Majesty’s high directives, Lekjaa announced the creation of an expanded committee, including representatives from civil society, Moroccan expatriates, and African talents, to ensure the success of the event. The committee will focus on projects such as:
- Upgrading stadiums
- Expanding and renovating airports in host cities
- Enhancing road infrastructure
- Developing hotel and commercial facilities
- Strengthening medical services and telecommunications networks
- Launching a comprehensive training program for youth
Lekjaa emphasized that the 2030 World Cup will serve as a platform to accelerate Morocco’s economic growth, create job opportunities, boost tourism, and promote universal values of peace and sustainable development.
During the meeting, the Council of Ministers also approved six international conventions, including four bilateral agreements and two multilateral ones, aimed at enhancing Morocco’s cooperation with other countries. These agreements cover areas such as criminal justice, military cooperation, and the mutual recognition of driving licenses.
In line with his constitutional duties, His Majesty appointed Zouhair Chorfi as Chairman of the National Electricity Regulatory Authority. The King also directed a reform of the authority, expanding its scope to include all energy sectors, including natural gas and hydrogen, aligning with international best practices.