FIFA Responds to World Cup Final Speculations
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has officially refuted claims that Morocco has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. According to various media outlets, FIFA representatives have clarified that no decisions regarding the final have been made as of yet, and any announcements will be made at the appropriate time. The anticipation surrounding the tournament continues to grow, especially as Morocco prepares to co-host the event alongside Spain and Portugal, with the opening matches taking place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to commemorate the centenary of the World Cup.
Controversy Surrounds Final Venue Selection
Moroccan football federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, who holds a significant position on FIFA’s council and serves as a delegate in the country’s economic ministry, previously asserted that the city of Benslimane would host the World Cup final. His comments, reported by the Associated Press, indicated a high level of confidence in Morocco's selection, stating, "Whether one likes it or not, Benslimane will host the World Cup final. I also hope that Morocco will play in the final." To support this ambition, Morocco is constructing a new stadium in Benslimane, near Casablanca, with a capacity of 115,000 spectators.
Despite ongoing reports in British media suggesting that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is inclined to award the final to Morocco in exchange for political support amid internal FIFA power struggles, the organization has categorically denied such claims. Following Infantino's controversial attempt to involve private investors in FIFA tournaments, there has been pressure from the European football governing body, UEFA, for him to step down. As of now, Infantino is set to run for re-election in March, with no challengers declared as of this writing. The election will take place during the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18.
As reported by deutschlandfunk.de.
