Morocco Dismisses False Claims About 2030 World Cup Preparations

Morocco Dismisses False Claims About 2030 World Cup Preparations

Sampson Adedeji

Morocco has strongly denied recent allegations regarding its preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, calling them baseless and misleading, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The British tabloid Daily Mail recently published claims that Moroccan authorities are undertaking a mass culling of three million stray dogs as part of a "clean-up" operation ahead of the tournament.

The report suggested that the process had already begun in some public areas, aiming to make the streets more presentable for the influx of football fans expected between June 13 and July 21, 2030, when Morocco co-hosts the event alongside Spain and Portugal.

These accusations sparked outrage among animal rights activists, including renowned primatologist Jane Goodall.

In a letter to FIFA, Goodall condemned the alleged actions as a "horrible act of barbarity" and criticized the football governing body for its silence, demanding immediate intervention.

In response to the growing controversy, Moroccan officials have categorically refuted the claims.

Mohammed Roudani, Head of the Hygiene and Green Spaces Division at the General Directorate of Local Authorities, addressed the issue in a statement to the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP).

 “There is no culling campaign,” Roudani stated.

“Reports of a plan to cull three million stray dogs before the 2030 World Cup are completely unfounded.”

The Moroccan authorities emphasized their commitment to humane and responsible urban management, dismissing the allegations as misinformation designed to tarnish the country's image ahead of the prestigious event.