Luis Rubiales Addresses Morocco's Inclusion in the 2030 World Cup Bid
In a recent interview, former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, made headlines with his candid remarks regarding the joint bid for the 2030 World Cup involving Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Rubiales emphasized that Morocco's involvement was always understood to be as a supporting nation, with Spain acting as the driving force behind the initiative. He stated emphatically, "Of course, if the final is not held in Spain, we should not proceed with the organization of the tournament." This statement underscores his frustration with the current dynamics between FIFA and the Spanish government's handling of the situation, particularly criticizing FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Rubiales elaborated on the initial conception of the bid, recalling a meeting that took place during the Spain-Portugal match at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He explained that while Morocco was initially included in discussions, the focus soon shifted to a fully European bid, which was necessitated by UEFA's requirements. He noted, "Morocco joined knowing that we were the engine of this train, with Spain as the locomotive. We were set to host the inaugural match and the final, while Morocco and Portugal were significant but secondary components of the bid." This analogy of a train vividly illustrates his belief that Spain should be at the forefront of the World Cup organization.
Furthermore, Rubiales criticized the apparent weakness displayed by Spanish officials in recent negotiations, suggesting that such actions have emboldened Morocco's position within the bid. He asserted that Morocco's acceptance of its supporting role was contingent upon Spain's strength in negotiations, which he believes has diminished under the current administration. He lamented that with him as president, such a situation would not have arisen, suggesting that the organization of the tournament would have been more secure and straightforward.
In conclusion, Rubiales' comments highlight a growing discontent among some Spanish football officials regarding the management of the World Cup bid. He firmly believes that Spain must reconsider its participation if it does not secure the final match. This perspective serves as a rallying cry for supporters of Spanish football who feel that the nation's contributions to the sport should be duly recognized and valued on the global stage. His fervent remarks reflect not only his personal stance but also a sentiment shared by many who wish to see Spain take its rightful place in the World Cup narrative.
As reported by huffingtonpost.es.
