Morocco Hosts Draw for 2014 FIFA Club World Cup Amid CAN 2015 Debate
While uncertainty looms over the hosting of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations due to health concerns, Morocco has moved ahead with preparations for another major tournament — the 11th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place from December 10 to 20 in Rabat and Marrakech.
On Saturday in Marrakech, the official draw was held, even as the African representative remains undecided pending the CAF Champions League final between AS Vita Club (DR Congo) and ES Sétif (Algeria).
Here’s how the tournament bracket shapes up:
Real Madrid, winners of the UEFA Champions League, will enter directly in the semi-finals, where they’ll face the winner of the quarter-final between Cruz Azul (Mexico) and the Asian champion (either Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia or Western Sydney Wanderers of Australia).
On the other side of the draw, CA San Lorenzo (Argentina’s Copa Libertadores champion) will take on the winner of the match between the African champion and the victor of the playoff between Auckland City FC (New Zealand) and Moghreb Athletic Tétouan (Morocco), who are tournament hosts.
This edition of the FIFA Club World Cup will serve as a major international spotlight on Morocco, regardless of the outcome of discussions surrounding the CAN 2015.
