RABAT: Morocco has appointed a top businessman to lead its bid in the all-African race to host the 2010 soccer World Cup. Reports say King Mohammed has appointed Saad Kettani as campaign chief, citing his international experience and strong networking. Kettani is the main shareholder in insurance firm Wafa Assurance and Wafabank through the Kettani family-owned Sopar holding.

Morocco tried to host the 1994, 1998 and 2006 events but the lack of adequate infrastructure, including stadiums and roads, hampered its bids.

The 2010 World Cup is due to be hosted by an African nation for the first time, with Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia all in the running.