On April 10, 2023, Spain, Morocco, and Portugal took a significant step towards enhancing their judicial cooperation in anticipation of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, an event that marks the first time three countries from two different continents will host the tournament together. The memorandum of understanding was officially signed in Rabat by Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, along with his Spanish counterpart Félix Bolaños and Portuguese Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice, highlighting the countries' commitment to a seamless and well-organized World Cup.
The signing ministers emphasized the historical significance of this World Cup, which will unite nations with diverse languages, cultures, and religions. Minister Bolaños expressed enthusiasm about the event, asserting, "It will be a great World Cup. We are committed to making it an exemplary tournament for the world." He further articulated a message of respect and cooperation among neighboring countries, underscoring the importance of peace, dialogue, and human rights as guiding principles for this monumental event.
Minister Ouahbi described the 2030 World Cup as a "football wedding" that has the potential to inspire admiration globally. He proposed transforming the Mediterranean and parts of the Atlantic into a grand football stadium, a vision that includes establishing a direct air connection between Rabat and Lisbon, akin to the existing route between Rabat and Madrid. This proposal received enthusiastic support from Minister Alarcão Júdice, who noted the strategic nature of the judicial cooperation among the three nations and its representation of shared values of justice.
The memorandum serves as a judicial framework to address various sports-related incidents and commercial disputes that may arise in connection with the World Cup preparations and organization. Minister Ouahbi expressed satisfaction with the establishment of a cohesive set of principles and the formation of committees to coordinate efforts, ensuring that the World Cup will be a joyous occasion with guaranteed protection for all participants.
According to sources from the Moroccan Ministry of Justice, the primary objective is to expedite judicial processes through immediate on-site handling and, if necessary, rapid international coordination among the three countries. The agreement will build upon existing international cooperation mechanisms, particularly in information exchange, urgent procedures, and mutual legal assistance, applicable in both criminal and civil-commercial litigations.
A joint committee will emerge from the memorandum, tasked with developing a detailed executive work program in collaboration with the entities responsible for organizing the World Cup.
As reported by primicias.ec.
