Morocco has officially withdrawn its bid to host Confederation of African Football Women’s Champions League (Caf WCL) 2023 in favor of Ivory Coast.
The President of Morocco's Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, announced the decision during the Caf Executive Committee meeting in Algiers, Algeria.
Lekjaa highlighted the deep and long-lasting ties between the two nations as the reason for the withdrawal.
“This decision symbolises the strong relationship and brotherhood between the two countries. By stepping aside and supporting Ivory Coast's bid, Morocco aims to strengthen cooperation and collaboration within the realm of African football,” he argued.
Last month, Caf opened the bidding process for the third edition of the tournament slated to be played towards the end of the year, Morocco and Ivory Coast were among the bidders.
With Morocco backing out, the Western African country is now the front runner in the race to secure the hosting rights of the continental tournament.
Should they be awarded the hosting rights, this tournament will act as a test for the country’s readiness to host the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) scheduled to begin in January 2024.
The first edition of the tournament held in 2021, hosted in Egypt was won by South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns.
In the 2022 edition, ASFAR of Morocco clinched the title on home soil.
After the withdrawal, Morocco will now focus on the upcoming Afcon under-23 Championship they are set to host from June 24.
The North African nation has also tabled a bid to host the 2025 Afcon and a joint-bid for the 2030 world cup alongside Portugal and Spain.
