FIFA denies Morocco's assertion about hosting 2030 final
FIFA has stated that no decision has been made on the venue for the 2030 World Cup final. Morocco is set to co-host the tournament with Spain and Portugal, but the Moroccan football federation president claimed the final would be held in Benslimane. FIFA's response contradicts that claim.
The King Hassan II Stadium, a 115,000-seat venue under construction near Casablanca, is the specific site Lekjaa claimed would host the final. He made this assertion during a political rally, stating the decision was already secured.
FIFA responded by stating the final's venue will be announced later. This rebuke follows previous denials of reports that Infantino promised Morocco the final in exchange for political backing. Morocco's co-hosting role marks only the second time an African nation will stage World Cup final matches.
The dispute could shape public perception of the tournament's integrity, as Moroccan citizens may feel their national pride is tied to hosting the final. It may also affect the credibility of FIFA's governance, given the prior allegations of political favors. Additionally, uncertainty over the venue could influence infrastructure planning and investment around the Benslimane stadium, while potentially straining relations between the Moroccan federation and global football authorities.