FIFA Responds to Reports Linking Infantino to Morocco’s 2030 World Cup Final
FIFA has dismissed reports claiming that its president, Gianni Infantino, promised Morocco the right to host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The world football governing body described the reports as “false and misleading,” stressing that no decision has been taken on where the tournament’s final match will be played.
Speculation had surfaced in recent days suggesting that Infantino privately assured Morocco it would stage the final as he seeks to strengthen support ahead of FIFA’s next presidential election.
The claims quickly generated debate among football followers, especially because Morocco is one of the three nations set to co-host the centenary World Cup.
However, FIFA, in a statement, rejected the reports, insisting that no such promise had been made.
“It is false and misleading to claim the FIFA President has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 Final,” the organisation said.
It added that a decision on the venue for the final will be taken through FIFA’s established procedures at the appropriate time.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, marking the first time the tournament will be staged across the two continents of Africa and Europe.
As part of the centenary celebrations, the opening matches will also be played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, in recognition of the inaugural World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930.
While Morocco has long expressed its desire to host the tournament’s biggest match, Spain is also widely regarded as a strong contender for the final.
Portugal, another co-host, has yet to publicly state its position, with the Portuguese Football Federation declining to comment on the latest reports.
FIFA has maintained that the choice of the 2030 World Cup final venue will be announced only after the appropriate decision-making process is completed.
