Morocco Blasts Report
The head of Morocco’s bid to play host to the 2010 World Cup slammed a FIFA evaluation in which the North African nation slipped to third place among five contenders, saying Friday that it may have been intended to undermine his country’s chances.
Saad Kettani said key areas of a technical report released Tuesday by soccer’s world governing body were wrongheaded -- at best. He said the study contained “discrepancies and glaring contradictions” and failed to reflect the reality that Morocco scores as a front-runner on all counts.
The FIFA reports on the five bidding nations clearly identified South Africa as the favorite, with Egypt in second place. Tunisia and Libya were behind Morocco.
“Everything so far had shown we were neck and neck with South Africa,” Kettani said.
FIFA President Joseph “Sepp” Blatter tried to deflect speculation that a decision had been made.
“Now it’s an election, and in an election decisions will be made mainly by heart or by spirit and not so definitely by documents presented by a group,” Blatter said.
FIFA will vote on a winner May 15 in Paris.
Chelsea Situation
FC Porto Coach Jose Mourinho, widely expected to replace Claudio Ranieri at Chelsea this summer, has publicly confirmed he’s interested in the job.
Mourinho has guided Porto to the Champions League final, a year after winning the UEFA Cup.
“Chelsea are a great club so, of course, they interest me,” Mourinho was quoted as saying in several British tabloids. “Nothing has been signed or agreed yet and we have to be professional.”
Beckham’s Future
Real Madrid Coach Carlos Queiroz said he believes that England captain David Beckham will stay with the club next season.
Speculation over Beckham’s future has increased in recent weeks, with reports he could return to England and join Chelsea.
“I believe David Beckham will be here next season,” Queiroz told BBC Radio. “With more experience, his maturing decisions and skill, I believe he can improve.”
Quick Passes
The Colorado Rapids (1-1-3) set a Major League Soccer record by pushing their home unbeaten streak to 15 games after a 0-0 tie against the New England Revolution (1-2-2) in front of 7,784 at Denver. The Rapids held a 7-4 advantage in shots and 11-3 in corner kicks.... Slovenia, which failed to qualify for Euro 2004 and has not won a game since September, fired coach Bojan Prasnikar.... Venezuela will play Spain in a friendly Aug. 18 in the Canary Islands.
-- Compiled by Jim Barrero
