FIFA Responds to Moroccan Football Federation President's Claims
In a recent statement, FIFA addressed assertions made by the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation regarding Morocco's potential hosting of the final match in the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup. FIFA emphasized that no definitive decision has been made regarding the venue for the final. The tournament will see Morocco co-hosting alongside Spain and Portugal, marking a significant milestone as it will be only the second occasion an African nation has hosted World Cup matches, following South Africa's successful staging of the event in 2010.
On Thursday, FIFA communicated to various media outlets that the selection of a host venue for the final will be announced in due course, leaving room for speculation and anticipation. This statement came on the heels of comments made by Fouzi Lekjaa, the head of Morocco's soccer federation, during a political rally, where he confidently declared that Morocco had already secured the right to host the final match. "The city of Benslimane will host the World Cup final. Hate it or love it, and if anyone wants to talk on top of that, let them talk," he stated, according to a translation by The Associated Press. Lekjaa pinpointed the King Hassan II Stadium as the chosen venue, expressing hope that Morocco would participate in the final match held there.
The King Hassan II Stadium, currently under construction near Casablanca, is anticipated to accommodate around 115,000 spectators, setting the stage for a grand finale. Despite recent speculations circulating in British media suggesting that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had made promises to Morocco regarding hosting the final in exchange for political backing for his re-election campaign next year, FIFA has categorically denied these claims. This clarification from FIFA serves to reaffirm the organization's commitment to a fair and transparent selection process for the World Cup final venue.
As reported by dailysabah.com.
