FIFA has denied a report claiming President Gianni Infantino promised Morocco the hosting of the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for political support in his presidential power struggle. The allegation was published by the British newspaper The Times.
It is false and misleading.
The 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the first three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The proposed venue for the final in Morocco is the new Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, which is planned to have a capacity of 115,000 seats.
Planned capacity of the Stade Hassan II, proposed venue for the 2030 World Cup final in Morocco.
According to the BBC, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and Chief Financial Officer Thomas Peyer were among officials scheduled to attend an emergency meeting called by Infantino at the FIFA Africa office in Salé, near Rabat.
Infantino faces significant pressure to resign, particularly from Europe, after his controversial plans to sell World Cup rights and tournament shares to private investors failed. UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF are reportedly seeking to push the 56-year-old Swiss president out of office.
The FIFA Congress, where 211 member associations will elect their president, is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, at Infantino's request. He is seeking re-election for a final term, with Africa considered a secure source of support.
Before the controversy, the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid was widely considered the designated venue for the final. Spanish Football Association President Rafael Louzán stated in January: 'Spain will be the leading nation.'
