Morocco Accused of Mass Culling of Stray Dogs Ahead of 2030 World Cup

Cases of slaughter and poisoning of stray dogs have been reported in Morocco in recent weeks, reports the International Animal Welfare Coalition (IAWPC). "Dogs caught in traps are also taken away in trucks to be killed in fake clinics. They are either burned in incinerators or thrown into mass graves," the association denounced in a statement cited by El Debate.

The lack of reaction from FIFA to this alert, which dates back to last December, has prompted Jane Goodall, a great animal advocate, to complain to the world football governing body. In her letter addressed to Mattias Grafström, FIFA’s Secretary General, the activist denounced the culling of dogs in Morocco and asked FIFA to take exemplary measures against the kingdom.

"You must surely know how football fans around the world, many of whom are also animal friends, will react when they hear about this matter," she wrote in her letter. For now, FIFA has not followed up on Jane Goodall’s complaint. The body led by Gianni Infantino launched the call for tenders for the sale of the audiovisual rights of the 2030 World Cup on Tuesday.