Roubiales Reveals Conditions for Morocco's Participation in World Cup 2030 Bid
In a recent statement, Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, disclosed significant details regarding the negotiations leading up to the approval of the joint bid between Morocco, Spain, and Portugal to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Rubiales emphasized that his acceptance of Morocco's inclusion in the project was contingent upon Spain hosting the tournament's two most crucial matches: the opening match and the final.
During an interview with the Spanish radio station "Informa Radio," Rubiales elaborated that the initial agreement also stipulated that Spain would host one of the semi-final matches and two quarter-final matches. This distribution was reportedly a point of consensus among the three participating nations prior to the formal validation of the bid.
He further explained that Portugal, under the leadership of its former football federation president, Fernando Gomes, had been supportive of this arrangement from the outset. Morocco's agreement was also reached during a meeting at the UEFA headquarters, attended by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, along with officials from both Spain and Portugal.
Rubiales stated that the agreement was solidified with a handshake, which he viewed as a final commitment regarding the allocation of the most significant matches of the 2030 World Cup, although he acknowledged that circumstances later changed.
Notably, he pointed out that the decision to transfer the opening match to the three South American countries celebrating the centenary of the first World Cup occurred after he had left his position. Rubiales accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of being behind this shift in plans.
It is important to note that Rubiales emphasized his remarks reflect his personal perspective on the events, and as of yet, there have been no official comments from FIFA, UEFA, or the respective football federations regarding these claims.
As reported by hesport.com.
