FIFA denies promising 2030 World Cup final to Morocco

FIFA has vehemently denied reports suggesting that its president, Gianni Infantino, made any promises regarding the venue for the 2030 World Cup final. The international football governing body labeled such claims as "false and misleading" in a statement to EFE news agency.

The controversy arose following a report in the British newspaper "The Times," which alleged that Infantino offered Morocco the chance to host the 2030 World Cup final. The report suggested this offer was made in exchange for support to help Infantino secure his position as president. Infantino has reportedly been under pressure due to a failed initiative to sell stakes in the World Cup to private entities.

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it is false and misleading to affirm that the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has made any promise in relation to the venue of the 2030 World Cup final

According to "The Times," Infantino met in Morocco to address the crisis, with the intention of offering the final to the North African nation. Morocco, a strong ally of Infantino since he took office ten years ago, reportedly aims to host the final at the Hassan II stadium in Casablanca. This contrasts with Spain's expectation that the final would be held at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid.

FIFA reiterated that a decision on the final's location will be made "in due course." The 2030 World Cup is being jointly hosted by Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, with three matches also scheduled to take place in South America. The report also noted that several football associations have withdrawn their support for Infantino, and prominent former players have called for his resignation.

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will take a decision in due course