Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has endorsed Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 World Cup over the joint bid from the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Blatter, who is banned from any role in global football for financial misconduct, issued his backing for the event to return to Africa, where he still has support after championing South Africa’s bid to host in 2010.

Referencing the joint bid from the North American countries, Blatter tweeted: “World Cup 2026: Co-Hosting rejected by FIFA after 2002 (also applied in 2010 and 2018). And now: Morocco would be the logical host! And it is time for Africa again!”

The 2002 World Cup was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, the only time the event has been staged in more than one country.

Nigeria had wanted to co-host the 2010 tournament with Ghana, Togo and Benin while another joint bid from Tunisia and Libya also was eventually withdrawn from consideration.

World Cup 2026: Co-Hosting rejected by FIFA after 2002 (also applied in 2010 and 2018). And now: Morocco would be the logical host! And it is time for Africa again! #Fifa #CAF #@FIFAWorldCup

— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) February 22, 2018

Blatter’s backing for the underdog bid from Morocco came just a day after it was revealed that FIFA wrote to officials to inform them that the ban on statements of support for one bid or another has been lifted.

The restriction does not apply to Blatter as he has been banned from holding any football-related office since late 2015, the year the FIFA corruption scandal erupted and resulted in him being forced to resign.