Associated Press (Nov 20, 07:41 PM)  RABAT, Morocco (AP) -- Morocco has officially announced its intentions to bid for the 2010 World Cup.

The Moroccan soccer association said in a statement Wednesday that it has notified FIFA of its desire to stage the event. FIFA has said that the 2010 tournament would go to an African nation. Germany is the 2006 host.

Africa and Oceania are the only regions that have never hosted the World Cup.

''FIFA took note of this official confirmation and deems our country as a potential candidate able to host this competition'', the statement said.

Morocco has made three unsuccessful bids to host soccer's showpiece event. It failed to win in 1994, 1998 and 2006.

The bidding was officially opened by FIFA last month. Countries have until Dec. 31 to declare an interest in hosting the tournament and they will be asked to reconfirm by April 30, 2003.

Those countries that reconfirm will have until Aug. 31, 2003, to submit their bid documents. Inspection teams will later visit each prospective host country and report back to the organization's ruling executive. The final decision will be made in May 2004.

Morocco, South Africa and Egypt are expected to be the main contenders for the 2010 World Cup. Libya is also expected to enter the running.