Marrakech: The 2030 FIFA World Cup presents a significant opportunity to establish a foundation for sustainable development and prosperity for the host countries and the broader Mediterranean region, Joaquim de Jesus Pedro Carreiro, CEO of the Portuguese News Agency (LUSA), stated on Wednesday in Marrakech.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Pedro Carreiro, speaking at the opening of the 33rd General Assembly of the Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies (AMAN), emphasized the significance of making the 2030 World Cup a “unifying and exemplary” event. He highlighted that the joint organization of this global tournament by Portugal, Morocco, and Spain should inspire collective mobilization to ensure it contributes meaningfully to long-term development goals.
Pedro Carreiro also noted the cultural and media impact of the event, particularly on younger generations, as football remains one of the most watched and widely covered events worldwide. He pointed to the economic benefits of hosting the tournament, citing a study by the Portuguese Football Federation, which estimates that the event could generate up to £890 million in economic impact, translating to an estimated 3% increase in Portugal’s GDP. He stressed that the positive impact of the tournament on host countries would be “invaluable.”
On the social front, Pedro Carreiro mentioned that the event is expected to create around 20,000 new jobs in Portugal, with more than half designated for women and young people aged 15 to 24.
Additionally, Stefano De Alessandri, CEO of the Italian News Agency (ANSA) and outgoing President of AMAN, underscored the vital role of AMAN’s member agencies in delivering accurate, high-quality, and accessible information across the Mediterranean, especially in an era marked by the rise of disinformation. He also emphasized the need for increased cooperation and coordination among Mediterranean news agencies, advocating for a new editorial approach rooted in transparency and aimed at restoring public trust in the media.
The 33rd AMAN General Assembly gathered directors general and senior representatives of member agencies from across the Mediterranean region. The opening session included remarks by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, and the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and 2030 FIFA World Cup Committee, Fouzi Lekjaa.
The General Assembly’s agenda, under Morocco’s MAP presidency for the current year, included a panel discussion titled “2030 FIFA World Cup: Challenges and Role of Mediterranean Press Agencies,” featuring key figures from the worlds of football and media.